Bexhill News, April 2025, Issue 34

APRIL 2025 | ISSUE 33

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR BEXHILL, COODEN, SIDLEY, PEBSHAM AND SURROUNDING AREAS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT

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A BEXHILL LANDMARK SINCE 1902

2 NEWS

APRIL 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

WELCOME

It IS a pleasure to bring you yet

another packed edition of your

free hyperlocal newspaper, which

we work so hard to produce for

you every month.

We receive a large number of

emails and contacts from readers

who express what a free local

newspaper means to them, and it’s

always nice to hear your feedback

on articles and those who send us

information to report on.

We are very grateful for the

support the local authorities

have given us for all three of our

newspaper titles.

It is an extremely testing time

for those councils, with such huge

changes on the horizon. Who knows

what the next few years will bring?

As we move towards the summer

period, I’m excited to look ahead to

a full diary of events, which I will

bring to you when they happen in

this newspaper. But do always let us

know if you’re holding an event in

the area. Just use the contact details

below to get in touch with me.

It’s these small and large events

that keep the community spirit in

the town alive. They bring together

so many people from all walks of life

and probably keep us going through

the dark winter months.

Also, we always like to hear

readers’ views on the stories we print

in this newspaper. Letters to the

editor are a great way to let everyone

know your opinions on the issues

that matter to you. You can email

letters@eastbourne.news, and it

could appear in next month’s paper.

Paul Gibson

Group Editor

THE TEAM

PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR

paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS

viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER

sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION

dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

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Bexhill News is a publication by Regional Media

Group Ltd, a company registered in England

and Wales number: 13746177. We have taken

care to ensure that the information in this

newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher,

nor contributors can take responsibility for loss

or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

Bexhill News does not endorse the accuracy

of the advertisements or the quality of the

products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and

community organisations are provided directly

by their own representatives; please direct any

queries or comments regarding content directly

to the organisation. Any opinion or views

expressed within this publication are solely

those of the author. © 2025: No part of this

newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole

without express permission of the editor.

Anger as Santander announces

town centre closure

SANTANDER has announced it

will be closing almost a hundred

branches across the UK, including

its Bexhill location.

Five towns in total across East

Sussex will be affected by the

announcement which include

East Grinstead, Crowborough,

Seaford and Uckfield.

The bank hasn’t said when Bexhill

and Uckfield will close, but the other

branches will shut their doors in June.

Bexhill and Battle MP, Kieran

Mullan, says he is angry that another

vital resource is disappearing from

the High Street.

He said: “It is disappointing to

see that Santander will be closing

its Bexhill branch as it is the last

high street bank remaining in the

town. Whilst I accept that people

have changed the way they bank,

doing more online, I know this

will cause worry for local residents

about how they will continue to

access bank services.

“It is more important than ever, that

we retain the services of a major Post

Office branch in Bexhill which can

provide day-to-day banking services,

and I am keen to look at the possibility

of creating a banking hub for the

BEXHILL has been announced

as one of the towns to receive

a ‘Banking Hub’, which is a

shared space where customers

can talk face-to-face with bank

representatives.

LINK has recently confirmed 19 new

locations which can expect to see a

shared banking hub open on the local

High Street in the future.

A Banking Hub was recently

opened in Hailsham which is

based at the town’s Post Office as a

temporary measure until a dedicated

premises is found.

On each day, a particular bank will

have a representative in branch to deal

with banking issues that cannot be

dealt with over the counter.

Cashiers can deal with normal dayto-day

banking, such as bill payments,

at a dedicated counter on any day.

town where people can also access

advice and carry out major banking

transactions without having to travel

to neighbouring towns.

“Access to cash remains very

important to a town like Bexhill.

Using cash has become increasingly

popular for people on restricted

incomes who want to be able to better

manage their finances. With so many

banks closing, we have lost a lot of

cashpoints so I will also be working

Banking Hub initiative

to ensure that access to cash points in

the town remains freely available.”

The bank has blamed customer

habits for the closures with more

people banking online, rather than

visiting the branches.

A spokesperson for Santander UK,

said: “Closing a branch is always a

very difficult decision and we spend

a great deal of time assessing where

and when we do this and how to

minimise the impact it may have

on our customers.

“However, we believe that

the introduction of our new

Community Bankers and the exciting

plans we have for our remaining

network of 349 branches and Work

Cafés, alongside the rapid and

innovative improvements to our

award-winning mobile banking

app, will provide the right balance

of digital banking and human

interaction when required.”

College receives national recognition for performance

ST Richard’s Catholic College in

Bexhill has been recognised as

one of the highest-performing

secondary schools in the

country, according to a recent

awards initiative.

The Schools, Students and

Teachers Network (SSAT)

announced the accolade which was

based on 2024 performance data and

information from Ofsted.

The college was recognised in

two categories, receiving awards

for being in the top 20% of schools

nationally for student progress

and in the top 10% of non-selective

schools for student attainment in the

2024 end of KS4 exams.

The SSAT Educational Outcomes

database compares all state-funded

schools in England.

Sue Williamson, Chief Executive

of SSAT said: “Congratulations to

St Richard’s Catholic College on

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor, visit:

www.eastsussex.news/letters

winning two SSAT Educational

Outcomes Awards. This success is

down to the superb learning and

teaching, outstanding support and

inspirational leadership of staff.

“You have made a huge difference

to the lives of the young people in

your school. Thank you.”

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4 NEWS

APRIL 2025


WHAT DO YOU THINK?



‘How can the council just allow

our thriving businesses close?’

BY PAUL GIBSON

A GROUP of small shop owners

in Bexhill say they’ve been

left in limbo and the future of

their businesses are hanging

in the balance.

The five shops that trade from The

Colonnade on the seafront will have

to leave their shops in September to

allow essential maintenance work to

be carried out on the building - but

Rother Council says they will have to

reapply to come back.

A petition was started recently after

the shop owners announced their

futures are unclear, and more than

1,500 signatures were collected in

just two days.

They are appealing to Rother District

Council, the owners of the building, to

allow them back after the renovation

works, which have said could cost

more than £660,000, as they won’t be

able to afford other premises in the

town due to high rent rates.

The shops, which consist of The

Pebble People, The Bag Lady, Rachel’s

Glass Store, Eleven@Colonnade and

Hughie’s Beach Cafe will also have

to close. In total, seven units will be

empty if the businesses don’t return.

Charlotte Arundell, who trades from

the Colonnade and is representing

the other business owners said: “Last

summer we were told there was a

potential refurb of the Colonnade

starting in October 2025. Because

of this, when our individual leases

came up for renewal over the last

year, we were only given leases which

end in Sep 2025.

“At this time, I asked if we could

come back to our original kiosks

as soon as the refurbishment was

completed. I was told by a member of

staff at the council that they couldn’t

see a reason why not. I even asked for

new leases with a ‘pause clause’ so we

could trade up until the work started

and return as soon as it’s completed.

“In January, and again in February,

I emailed the council to see if the

refurbishment was actually going

to happen as we needed to make

informed decisions about our

businesses and we had not been told

anything. We were then told to ‘plan

and prepare for closure’.

“On the 18th Feb we received a reply

saying we will not guarantee a return

to the premises. They will be openly

marketed and all applications will be

considered. We are happy to apply

for our shops again if necessary. This

is only fair. Also, after the refurb

we hoped that all 7 retail spaces

would be relet.

Our reporter witnessed the poor

state of some of the units within

the Colonnade, with severe damp,

water running down the walls and

an area that houses a portaloo for

the shop owners to use instead of

permanent facilities.

The group are not disputing that the

work needs to be carried out to secure

the future of the attraction, and had

prepared to close their doors after

the busy summer period. However,

all they want is to return and trade

from their shops in 2026 when the

work is complete.

Howard Martin President of

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce said:

“Bexhill Chamber of Commerce

has been supporting the businesses

of the Colonnade in their struggles

with RDC for many years. We have

worked with them to help market

the Colonnade quarter as a vibrant

place to shop, eat and get together,

we even sponsored the creation

of new public signage to direct

people to the Colonnade, but RDC

refused to install it.

“Now we have this situation

whereby the businesses are in effect,

being evicted without any help and

support from RDC to relocate either

temporarily or permanently. Bexhill

Chamber members are shocked

and appalled by the way this group

of entrepreneurs is being treated.

It’s like RDC really want to ransack

the town before they lose it to the

new unitary authority, it’s like a

razed earth policy.”

COUNCIL REMAINS

NON-COMMITTAL ON

FUTURE LEASES

A spokesperson for Rother District

Council said: “We understand the

concerns raised by the independent

businesses currently operating at the

Colonnade and value their role in the

local community.

“The Colonnade is an important

historic, listed building in urgent

need of significant refurbishment.

Carrying out the extensive repairs

required to address the structural

issues is essential to safeguard its

future and ensure it remains a vibrant

asset for Bexhill-on-Sea.

“In order to carry out these essential

works, we regret that the existing

leases must come to an end. Once

the work is complete, we will openly

market the available units and any

businesses will be welcome to apply.

“As a local authority we have a

responsibility to demonstrate best

value, meaning we must conduct a

fair process for all prospective tenants

rather than offering guarantees to any

specific business.

“In addition, earlier this month

the council’s Cabinet launched a

new Service and Asset Devolution

Framework that will support

the devolution of a range of

council-owned assets to parish

and town councils or community

organisations. Therefore, we are

regrettably unable to guarantee

that existing tenants can return as

we do not yet know what interest

there may be from others in taking

on the Colonnade.

“We will continue to work with our

tenants over the coming months and

remain open to ongoing dialogue

with them and the wider community

as the project progresses.”

Charlotte says residents really need

to voice their opinions on how they

want to see the Colonnade in the

future as people power matters.

She concluded: “We would love to

see anyone down at the shops who

want to sign a physical copy of the

petition as we really need the support

from everyone.”

Residents can also find the petition

online by visiting change.org and

searching for ‘Save the Colonnade’.

What do you think? Let the editor

know. Email letters@bexhill.news

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill APRIL 2025 NEWS 5

Outstanding residents

recognised at annual awards

THE annual Bexhill-on-Sea

Town Meeting, held at St Peter’s

Community Centre on Church

Street, brought together residents,

dignitaries, and community

leaders for an evening of

celebration and civic engagement.

The well-attended event, featuring

approximately 100 members of

the public and 20-30 dignitaries,

band members, and award

recipients, served as a platform to

recognise outstanding community

contributions while addressing

key civic matters.

The evening commenced with a

performance by the Royal British

Legion Concert Band Band, setting

a celebratory tone. The Mayor

then officially opened the event,

warmly welcoming attendees and

highlighting the importance of

community involvement.

One of the evening’s most

anticipated segments was the

awards presentation, where

individuals and organisations

making significant contributions to

Bexhill were honoured.

Wendy Dennis was the recipient of

the Civic Award for her tireless efforts

Lynn Langlands presented with the Freedom Award

in setting up and running Bexhill

Friends of the Down. Wendy has

played a pivotal role in transforming

the local environment, planting

over 2,500 trees, introducing native

wildflowers, and spearheading

regular litter collection initiatives.

Rodney Summers was recognised

with a Civic Award for his invaluable

contributions to the community in

his role as the town centre cleaning

operative. Alex Lomax was honoured

as the first Mayoral Cadet appointed

in 2024 for his dedication and service.

Homecall became the recipient of

the Mullins Cup, awarded for being

the best community organisation.

Homecall’s dedicated volunteers

assist clients with

daily tasks such as

reading and writing

correspondence,

helping to alleviate

social isolation and

Homecall maintain independence.

Finally, Lynn Langlands was

presented with the prestigious

Freedom Award for her outstanding

contributions to Bexhill. Lynn has

been instrumental in the Beach

Garden Project, ensuring accessible

and environmentally sustainable

spaces for the community.

Following the awards, attendees

enjoyed an interlude featuring a

performance by Ukrainian Choir,

Culbaba Theatre, offering a moment

of entertainment and reflection

before the formal Town Meeting.

The meeting portion of the

evening, issues of local concern were

addressed, and updates on town

projects were shared, reinforcing

the council’s commitment to

community development.

A resident asked if the council

would work with Southern

Water to reinstate a fountain.

The council acknowledged the

importance of the feature and

mentioned ongoing work but did

not provide specifics.

Another questioned the mayor

about the sale of public toilets. The

council clarified that the toilets are

owned by Rother District Council

(RDC) and that discussions are

ongoing as part of local government

restructuring. The toilets will be

opened on a licence to the Town

Council whilst RDC negotiates sales.

It was confirmed that if the toilets

are sold there is a requirement for

a public toilet to be provided so the

service will be protected.

Concern was raised about

subsidence on Buckhurst Road. The

council continue to lobby East Sussex

County Council (ESCC) for repairs.

A resident asked about the longawaited

new doctor’s surgery. The

council explained that changes in

NHS England have delayed progress

but promised updates.

Questions were raised about funds

allocated for public toilets and the

length of licenses. The town council

is working with RDC to open the

toilets this month pending any sales

negotiated by RDC. RDC is covering

the costs of repairs to open the toilets,

the town council is funding the

ongoing cleaning and maintenance.

A potential vacancy on the Town

Council was discussed and it was

confirmed on the council’s website.

The electors of St Stephen’s Ward

have until 17th April to petition for an

election. If a petition is not received

by the deadline, the vacancy will be

advertised for co-option.

Concerns were raised about

the poor state of pillar boxes and

benches. The council said Royal

Mail is responsible for pillar boxes

and some benches are being

relocated by RDC due to erosion risks

on Galley Hill.

One resident criticised the

untidy and blank noticeboard

outside the Town Hall. The council

advised this is owned by RDC and

agreed to review it.

Residents complained about

large commercial vehicles parking

in residential streets. The council

stated that enforcement falls under

ESCC and Rother District Council but

agreed to lobby on the issue.

Another chance for residents to

question the town council will be

held next year.

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6 NEWS

APRIL 2025


Amnesty uncovers book

loan from 1997

Rotary Club

raises £1k for End

Polio project

A BOOK missing from library

shelves for nearly 28 years

has been returned during an

annual amnesty.

Good Bones, a collection of short

stories by Canadian author Margaret

Atwood, found its way back to Bexhill

Library having been borrowed

in October 1997.

It was one of 24,000 overdue books

which East Sussex Library Service

is trying to recover by waiving fines

until the end of March.

Councillor Claire Dowling, the

county council’s lead member, said:

“Since the amnesty launched on

Monday, February 17, nearly 6,000

items have been returned. It’s great

to see them being returned to our

libraries and made available for

library users once again.

“Each year, around 5,000 books

are not returned, and the amnesty

is a great way to encourage people

to check their homes for forgotten

library books. There is no judgement

and no fines during the amnesty

— we will just be pleased to have

books returned.”

Of the overdue books, a total of 45

were issued before 2015 including

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

which was borrowed in February

2014 and Seashore by Steve Parker

which was issued in June 2014.

Councillor Dowling added: “As well

as making them available for others

to enjoy, every book returned helps to

save money with fewer titles having

to be replaced.”

Books can be easily returned

to any East Sussex library during

opening hours. Alternatively, most

libraries have drop boxes for out

of hours returns.

BEXHILL Rotary Club held a

fundraising event recently which

resulted in a cash boost for a

large campaign.

The Race Night was held at the

Sailing Club to raise funds for Rotary

International’s “End Polio Now”

campaign. The long-term project

has been successfully eradicating

Polio throughout the World with the

ambition to completely remove the

virus that causes Polio.

Global figures for new Polio cases

have dropped to extremely low levels

in only a couple of hot spots, but the

wars that have occurred over the

last few years have put this situation

at risk, so more work is needed to

stamp out these threats with targeted

vaccination programs in the most

vulnerable areas.

More than 60 Rotary members,

friends and family gathered to

take part in eight races which

ended with President Hugh

Allen giving his thanks to the

fundraising team and the Sailing

Club for making the whole evening

a great success and announced

the total monies raised had

reached £1,000.

This amount, once donated to the

Rotary Foundation, will be increased

to £3,000 by the Bill & Melinda Gates

Foundation pledge to the campaign.

The Rotary Club of Bexhill

undertakes numerous charity and

fun social events during the year

and is always keen to have new

members to join.

For more details, contact Stephen

at 01424 732100.

Unpaid carers offered fun art classes

BY SUSAN JANE MURRAY

DRAWING Life’s Judy Parkinson

has launched a new project at the

De La Warr Pavilion this spring.

When Drawing Life was established

ten years ago by Hastings-based Judy

Parkinson, it offered free, regular,

artist-led, creative sessions for people

living with dementia and their carers.

Now Parkinson is extending

the reach of this innovative and

successful project to all unpaid

carers and the people they care for,

whatever their health needs, with

monthly sessions at De La Warr

Pavilion beginning on 24 April.

Judy said: “It became obvious

that carers benefited just as much

from Drawing Life sessions as

the people they care for and

that classes were an invaluable

social lifeline for carers who find

themselves isolated due to their

myriad responsibilities looking

after a loved one. With that in mind

we have hatched a new format and

extended our offer to people of all

ages and all needs.”

The fun, relaxed sessions will

take place each last Thursday of

the month at De La Warr Pavilion.

Parkinson emphasises that no

artistic experience is necessary and

that the sessions and all materials,

conversation, tea and biscuits are

free of charge.

Participants will be encouraged

to take inspiration from the work

in the gallery and then make some

marks and doodles.

Each artist-led session will be a bit

different; the Drawing Life team will

suggest a range of artistic methods,

catering to diverse interests and

abilities, ensuring that everyone

can benefit from the transformative

power of art.

Judy added: “We know from

ten years’ experience that art

activities make big differences to

people’s lives. Sue, a carer at one

of our Hastings sessions, told me

It was just nice doing something

normal together that wasn’t a

hospital appointment or talking

about problems.

“Art opens conversations

between carers about memories

and achievements - childhood,

family, careers. Those they care

for discover new ways to express

themselves and communicate

feelings and memories non-verbally.

The quiet concentration we observe

every time is a sign that stress and

anxiety are put aside for a few

precious moments.’

Drawing Life has thanked The

National Lottery Community Fund,

Hastings Contemporary, De La Warr

Pavilion, The Hastings Winkle Club

and Mr Doodle for their support.

First class at De La Warr Pavilion

on Thursday 24 April, 11.15am to

12.15pm. To book please contact

Judy on info@drawinglife.org and

let her know if you need help with

transport or parking.

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8 NEWS

APRIL 2025


Girlguiding celebrates

centenary with

Museum takeover

GIRLGUIDING members from

Bexhill started its Division

centenary celebrations,

transporting themselves back

through the years at Bexhill

Museum recently to mark

World Thinking Day.

Every year, over ten million Girl

Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide

celebrate being part of the special

international movement at

the celebrations.

As part of their Thinking Day

festivities, Rainbows, Brownies and

Guides took part in a Girlguiding

themed treasure hunt, searching for

badges and uniforms throughout

Guiding history, and pictures of

Guiding world centres around the

museum, among the interesting

exhibits in the different galleries.

The girls had the chance to see

previous Girlguiding uniforms

and accessories on display, and

to learn how to tie a neckerchief

tie like Brownies and Guides did

as far back as the 1920’s. They also

enjoyed making their own 1920’s

style headband.

Bexhill Trefoil Guild, a group for

adults in Girlguiding, met days

before to celebrate Thinking Day.

They looked back on the history of

Girlguiding in Bexhill, members

efforts during the wars, notable

volunteers, special events, world

camps and special awards received

by individuals.

Although Girlguiding has been in

Bexhill since 1912, the 1st Bexhill

Guides company opened in October

that year at St Barnabas Girls School,

local members were part of Rye

Division until 1925 when Bexhill’s

Division was formed.

Between 1916-1918 Lady

Baden-Powell was Rye Division

Commissioner (of which Bexhill

was part) and Sussex County

Commissioner. She became Britain’s

Chief Guide in 1918.

Bexhill’s first Brownie unit, for girls

aged 7-10, opened in 1923, and their

first Rainbow unit opened in 1990 for

girls aged 5-7.

Between 1948 and 1952 their

Division Commissioner was Miss

Violet Synge, who previously

formed the 1st Buckingham Palace

Guide Company, of which Queen

Elizabeth (then Princess Elizabeth)

and Princess Margaret attended,

with other children of members

of the Royal Household and

Palace employees.

In 2023 Girlguiding Bexhill

celebrated the 50th anniversary of

their London Road Headquarters,

that stands on the site of the

original purposely created Guide

Headquarters, built in 1922. St

Barnabas Girls School was kindly

lent for use as the first Bexhill

Headquarters by Reverend

Mortlock in 1912.

Today, Bexhill Division has over

120 young members, supported

and encouraged weekly by

Girlguiding volunteers. Their

centenary celebrations will

continue through the year, a special

Division camp is due to be held

this summer, and girls have also

been invited to design a special

commemorative badge.

Girlguiding Bexhill would love to

hear your Girlguiding memories.

Bexhill Museum have kindly agreed

to collect them from visitors, or you

can email girlguidingbexhilldivision

@gmail.com.

If you would like to register your

daughter at a unit in Bexhill or you

are interested in volunteering, please

visit www.girlguiding.org.uk

CASH OR AUCTION

in Association with Eastbourne Auctions Your Local Saleroom with the International Reputation

Bring items along for a FREE Friendly Advice

CASH OFFER or entry into our forthcoming Auction

For appointments visit Eastbourne Auctions website

or call Glen, Saleroom Manager on 01323 431444 option 2-1-1

Sold for

£1,300

Sold for

£1,900

Sold for

£1,000

Indian Brass Bowl

Beatles Tickets

Sold for

£6,300

Sold for

£3,200

Sold for

£4,700

Sold for

£1,750

Valuations are

FREE in 2025

Items Wanted

Sold for

£1,300

Sold for

£1,350

Gold and Silver Jewellery in any condition

Costume Jewellery • Watches working or not

Coins, Medals and Militaria • Wines & Spirits

Oriental items – even when chipped or damaged

Antiques & Collectables • Records • Vintage Hi-Fi

Stamps • Music related or sporting items

Any quirky items or unique items we can write about and promote on TV

Sold for

£2,300

Sponsoring

the weather

Eastbourne Auctions

www.eastbourneauction.com

Auction House, Finmere Road, Eastbourne BN22 8QL

FULL Probate and House Clearance Service in Operation

10 NEWS

APRIL 2025


Residents remember loved

ones on COVID anniversary

PHOTOS: PAUL GIBSON

ON the fifth anniversary of the start

of the COVID pandemic, people

came together to remember

friends and family who died as

well as those who helped the

sick and community.

The event, held at the war

memorial, hundreds gathered to give

each other comfort and hear from

key people about their experiences

during the pandemic.

Candles were laid at the ‘Tree

of Hope’, a metal sculpture

which was the brainchild of ex-

Mayor Lynn Langlands and was

unveiled in April 2021.

Lynn, who also organised the

event alongside Jimmy Stanger

and Brian Drayson, was delighted

the event gave an opportunity for

residents to come together and

support each other.

She told Bexhill News: “The

gathering was a great success. It was

something that I was delighted to be

able to organise because I was Mayor

during COVID and it meant a lot.

“There was a lot of struggling and

suffering, and it’s good, five years on,

to reflect on it and just get together

and realise that there’s a way out and a

way forward, and we can all be a little

bit more positive about our future.

“Globally, seven million people

died, this was like a sort of infectious

War as it killed and devastated

the lives of so many. And I think it

really, it’s incumbent upon us to

come together once a year just to

remember that.”

The event, presented by Lord

Brett McLean, also heard from Vice

Chairman of East Sussex County

Council Councillor Abul Azad,

Former Deputy Mayor of Bexhill

Claire Baldry, who read a poem she

wrote in 2021, whilst Jimmy Stanger

read some experiences on behalf

of his wife who worked for the NHS

during the pandemic. He was helped

by his young son Harry who also read

out some of the story to the crowd.

Residents were then invited to lay a

candle at the Tree of Hope in memory

of a loved one.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill APRIL 2025 NOTICEBOARD 11

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

BUSINESS LOCAL NETWORK

FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Hailsham, Eastbourne & Uckfield — all 10-12pm,

£10 per person. Looking to grow your business

in a relaxed, natural setting? No forced pitches,

no pressure—just genuine conversations, fresh

ideas, and valuable connections. At BLN,

networking feels effortless!

Uckfield — The Pamper Lounge (TN22 5AE)

Wed 9 Apr & 14 May

Hailsham — Abbots Wood Manor (BN27 3AL)

Tue 15 Apr & 20 May

Eastbourne — Mortain Place (BN22 0AB) Wed

23 Apr & 28 May

Ready to join the conversation?

Book your spot now! For more information and

to book: https://bit.ly/BLN-CNB-April

BEXHILL

BEXHILL STAMP & POSTCARD CLUB

St Augustine’s church Hall, Cooden Drive,

Bexhill, TN39 3AZ. Wednesday 23 April,

7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join the

conversation on collecting and admire the

themed displays created by our members for the

Goode Cup. Refreshments accompany our tariff

busting raffle.

LITTLE COMMON ROYAL BRITISH

LEGION WOMENS SECTION

The Poppy Club, Meads Avenue, Little Common

Saturday 26th April, 10am-12noon. Spring Fair.

Stalls include Books, Cakes, Plants, Clothes and

much more. All Welcome.

BEXHILL FARMERS’ MARKET

Devonshire Square, Bexhill-on-Sea. Every Friday,

9am-1pm. The market offers a variety of local

produce, including handmade pies, fresh bread,

meats, game, smoked products, cheeses, fish,

fruits, vegetables, jams, chutneys, cinnamon

buns, brownies, plants, and flowers. On the

second Friday of each month, The French

Delicatessen provides a selection of cheeses.

EASTBOURNE

CALMER SELF: A WORKSHOP ON

MANAGING STRESS, ANXIETY & LIFE

CHANGES

Mortain Place Care Home, 93 Pevensey Bay

Road, BN23 6JF. Monday 14th April — Choose

either the 3pm or 6pm Workshop. Join Nadine

for an informal workshop on letting go of

stress, anxiety, and worry. Topics will include

anticipatory grief, adjusting to change and

loss, navigating life-changing illnesses, and

any other concerns you may have. Running

time: 1–2 hours. Free to attend. Free parking

& refreshments. For more information and to

book your place, contact Nadine on nadine@

calmerself.co.uk or 07856 169186. Website:

www.calmerself.co.uk

EASTBOURNE WALKING NETBALL

Eastbourne Sports Park, Cross Levels Way.

Monday mornings 10am11am. All ages welcome

to join us. Walking netball is great for low-impact

fitness, fun and mixing with like-minded friendly

people. See our Facebook page for more info

or call Anne-Marie 07702 317728. £4.55 per

session.

EASTBOURNE BOROUGH MARKET

Terminus Road, Eastbourne, from Trinity Trees

to Marks & Spencer’s. Every Wednesday and

Sunday, 9.30am-4.30pm. The market features

a variety of stalls offering fresh produce, baked

goods, crafts, and more.

PEVENSEY BAY CRAFT MARKET

St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, Eastbourne Road,

Pevensey Bay. Second Saturday of the month,

10am-12.30pm. A monthly craft market —

Everyone welcome. FREE entry. Refreshments

available.

EAST DEAN & FRISTON ART GROUP

East Dean & Friston Village Hall, Village Green

Lane, BN20 0DR. Saturday 3 May 2025,

2pm–5pm; Sunday 4 & Monday 5 May 2025,

10am–4pm. Our annual Art Show showcasing

a wide range of original artwork, including

landscapes, figures, still life, birds, animals, and

abstract, all at affordable prices. Free entry &

free car parking, Café with homemade cakes. For

more information visit: www.eastdeanart.org.uk

HAILSHAM

HAILSHAM TOWN COUNCIL ANNUAL

MEETING

Hailsham Civic Community Hall in Vicarage Lane

Wednesday 7th May from 6:30pm. Residents

are invited to attend its Annual Town (Electors’)

Meeting. The main part of the meeting will

start at 7.30pm and will be chaired by the

Town Mayor and Chairman, Cllr Paul Holbrook.

Those who attend will be given the opportunity

to discuss matters applicable to the parish of

Hailsham and ask relevant questions, subject

to the provisions of Schedule 12 of the Local

Government Act 1972. The subject of the

questions can properly cover any issue of public

concern affecting residents of the parish. Prior

to the main residents’ meeting there will be an

opportunity for you to view information stands

from local groups and talk to representatives

of those organisations from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Confirmed attendees will be announced soon.

MILTON HIDE ALBUM RELEASE

Three top class folk acts take to the Hailsham

Pavilion stage for our first Folk Night. With

original interpretations of traditional folk,

lively story-based contemporary songs and

spellbinding songs of Ingushetia, be prepared

for an unforgettable evening from The

Kimberleys, Milton Hide and Daria Kulesh.

Milton Hide releases their long-awaited third

album, Bungaroosh, at this event. Jim Tipler and

Jo Church from East Sussex, weave eloquent,

well-crafted story-based songs. “Eclectic in style,

sound and subject matter. Delightfully engaging

and distinctly moreish. There’s political comment

and dark undercurrent, so subtle and easy is

the music that you don’t realise the stiletto has

arrived until it’s slid in. A very welcome addition

to the contemporary roots’ scene” — RnR

Magazine. www.miltonhide.com

To submit your listing for publication

on this page, visit: www.eastsussex.

news/community-noticeboard or

scan this QR Code.

The publishers cannot be responsible for any errors or omissions in this noticeboard.

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12 NEWS

APRIL 2025


Hastings Half Marathon cancelled as

Police investigate chemical incident

THE organisers behind the

Hastings Half Marathon cancelled

the annual event following the

discovery of dangerous chemicals

in a St. Leonards property recently.

The Explosive Ordnance

Disposal (EOD) team successfully

removed a quantity of desensitised

chemicals from a nearby house

and carried out a controlled

burn in a skip near the sea

wall, after finding dangerous

chemicals in the property on

Thursday 20th March.

The main A259 through St.

Leonards was closed for a number

of days causing traffic chaos

and the cancellation of the half

marathon which attracts 3000

runners to the town.

Around 500 additional canisters

were also found containing unknown

chemicals, although these were not

considered to be explosive.

EOD’s initial assessment found

large quantities of one material that

indicated explosive elements in it.

Scientific experiments are being

undertaken to determine the exact

nature of the chemical.

A 28-year-old man was detained

under the Mental Health Act while

enquiries continue.

Chief Inspector James Scott, district

commander, said: “Investigations

are ongoing however, from evidence

gathered so far, there is no indication

that the 28-year-old man arrested

intended to cause harm either to

himself or anybody else.

The organisers of the Hastings

Half Marathon announced: “It

is with great disappointment

that we have made the very

difficult decision to cancel the

Hastings Half Marathon.

“Please know this decision was

not taken lightly, we have tried

absolutely everything, and we fully

understand how disappointing this is

for everyone involved.

“Following advice from the Police

and multiple partners, we carefully

explored all possible alternatives.

However, the safety of our runners,

volunteers, and supporters must

always come first.

Rag’n’Bone Man performs

to sell-out crowd in

stunning performance

Jobs fair draws crowds

at annual event

PHOTOS BY PAUL GIBSON

RAG’N’BONE fans packed the De La

Warr recently to hear some of his

greatest hits as well as support a

charity supporting children of war

across the world.

The triple BRIT award winner

brought his signature raw, soulful

vocals to the Pavilion and exhibited

why he’s one of the most beloved

vocalists of his generation.

Performing well-known anthems

such as Human and Skin, fans

were also supporting ‘BRITs

Week 25’ which was delivered by

DHL for War Child.

The week of unique performances

across the UK gave fans the

unforgettable opportunity to see

intimate, one-off performances

from some of the biggest and most

exciting names in music at some of

the country’s best venues.

All proceeds from the show

went towards War Child’s work

to help provide protection,

education, mental health support,

and more while standing up for

the rights of children whose

lives have been devastatingly

affected by war.

The total amount raised for War

Child by BRITs Week, since its

inception in 2009, is over £7,430,000.

During the event, Rory Graham,

otherwise known as Rag’n’Bone Man

told the crowd how excited he was

to perform so close to home. The

star currently lives in Heathfield

with his family.

He asked the crowd: “Is there

anyone here from Wealden

District Council’? As silence fell,

Rory explained he was stuck at the

roadside for hours as he had hit a

pothole locally and had to be rescued

by his tour manager.

THE Bexhill Jobs Fair returned to

the De La Warr Pavilion recently,

attracting hundreds of job

seekers to explore employment

opportunities and career

development resources.

The event hailed as one of the

largest in the region, brought together

a diverse range of employers, training

providers and industry professionals,

offering something for attendees

across various sectors.

More than 40 exhibitors provided a

platform for local residents seeking

both entry-level positions and

career advancements.

The event featured a diverse

mix of exhibitors representing

multiple industries, including retail,

hospitality, healthcare, construction

and public services.

Attendees had the opportunity to

engage directly with recruitment

teams, learn about current

vacancies, explore apprenticeships,

training programmes and further

education options.

Hastings Direct, One of the

region’s largest employers, promoted

a variety of customer service, IT

and claims management roles.

Representatives were on hand to

discuss career progression and

employee benefits.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

showcased a range of healthcare

and support roles, emphasising the

growing demand for healthcare

professionals across the region.

Sussex Police highlighted

opportunities for police constables,

community support officers and

administrative roles.

Other employers such as

Stagecoach, Rother District Council,

East Sussex College Group and

Google all attended to find the next

generation of employees.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill APRIL 2025 NEWS 13

Chamber launches £25k Centenary

Fund to support business

Boxing Club in drive

for minibus money

Chamber Vice President Tracey Love, Kieran Mullan MP and Howard Martin

TO celebrate 100 years of Bexhill

Chamber of Commerce this year,

a twenty five thousand pound

Centenary Grant Fund to support

businesses and enhance the town

has been launched.

Businesses, Charities, social

enterprises and other associations are

being invited to apply for small grants

that will drive projects that have

a positive impact on the business

community of Bexhill.

The applications can be for projects

needing anything from a few hundred

pounds up to the limit of the fund.

The Chamber says ‘the intention

is to maximise the visible and

discernible impact of the Centenary

Funds for the benefit of Bexhill

Businesses by creating a very positive

business environment in the town’.

The money is a capital fund only,

which means there must be a tangible

output from the project, like a piece of

public art, a renovated shop front or

improved accessibility to businesses.

It cannot be used to pay wages

or running costs.

The Chamber has emphasised it is

looking to have a big impact from the

money. Howard Martin, President

of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce

said: “We appreciate that this fund

is quite small but we are looking for

ideas and proposals that will have a

big impact on our town. We are open

to any suggestions and the Chamber

team will offer help and support to

applicants like businesses who may

not be familiar with the usual grant

application processes. We are also

open to discussing match funding or

shared funding projects.”

The Bexhill Chamber of Commerce

Centenary Fund has been allocated

to the Chamber by the Ministry

of Housing, Communities and

Local Government as part of

the Government’s Levelling Up

funding for Bexhill.

It has been backed by Kieran Mullan

MP and Rother District Council.

All proposals submitted will

be independently assessed by a

panel of local business and grant

funding experts. Although bodies

from outside Bexhill may apply for

funding the benefit of the application

must be within the nine council

wards of Bexhill.

Howard Martin added: “We look

forward to working with the business

community of Bexhill to deliver some

great improvements to the business

environment of our town.”

For full details of the fund go

to: www.bexhillchamber.org/

centenary-grant

BY MIKE LEGG

BEXHILL Amateur Boxing Club is

appealing for help in a bid to buy a

“desperately needed” minibus.

The club, a registered charity

run by volunteers with more than

50 members, fears its progress

will stall without a vehicle to

transport keen boxers around the

county and beyond.

Coach Terry Freeman explained:

“The club is trying to raise money for a

minibus that we so desperately need.

“We are a registered charity run

solely by volunteers. Our volunteers

give up so much of their time,

including weekends, travelling all

around the country to not only help

train young people in the noble art

of boxing but also to teach them

discipline, respect and confidence.

“Boxing also improves fitness and

helps with life skills, and we all do

what we do for the love of giving back

to our community.

“The club has been going for 15 years

now and has been fully registered and

insured with England Boxing for the

last 13. We’ve not only competed all

around the country — from Sussex to

Torquay, Manchester to the Midlands

— but we’ve also taken boxers to Italy,

Sweden and Guernsey.

“A good second-hand minibus

would not only ease the burden on our

volunteers but also give us so many

more opportunities to travel to more

shows and, more importantly, allow

our young boxers to visit other clubs

for sparring in preparation for their

upcoming bouts.”

Anyone who can help can contact

Terry on 07840 914 432.

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14 INTERVIEW

APRIL 2025


Craig Revel Horwood:

My new show is strictly

about the music!

HE’S known and loved by millions

for getting to the point and as part

of his UK tour, Strictly star, Craig

Revel Horwood, he promises

to do just that.

His show, called Revelations, is

coming to the Congress Theatre

in Eastbourne on 17th April, when

the audience will get to learn

about the ‘real Craig’ in his most

personal tour yet.

Craig turned 60 in January and has

become a national treasure — he

started out in musical theatre, where

his first ever job was West Side Story

and took singing lessons as a kid, in

his native Australia.

Music was in his life throughout his

schooling. He said: “It just seemed to

be a very natural journey for me to go

into musicals. I just loved performing

in musicals until I was 30. People don’t

really know me as a singer because

I’ve been in the background doing

it, I suppose.”

Other areas of his life took over.

He became one of the UK’s best

and most influential directors and

choreographers, winning Laurence

Olivier Award nominations for Spend

Spend Spend and My One and Only. He

directed the opening ceremonies of

the 2002 Commonwealth Games in

Manchester and was invited to join

the judging panel for BBC’s Strictly

Come Dancing in 2004. As of 2025, he’s

Strictly’s only original judge.

Strictly made him a household name

as a stringent rule-follower who has

dished out more low scores of ‘1’ than

any other judge.

Becoming famous for catchphrases

and unique locutions — from chahchah-chah

to fab-u-lous — Craig has

outlasted everyone.

Yet there are many more strings

to his diamante-encrusted bow, and

singing is foremost among them.

So when the opportunity arose last

year to record an album of songs

with the UK’s leading musical

theatre record label, Westway, he

jumped at the chance.

“I thought: ‘Come on, you’re 60. Do

it.’ My mum’s always told me to get an

album together, and do something. So

I thought: ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’ I grew up in

the era before things were recorded

— so there are no recordings of my

earlier performances in theatre. No

one had mobile phones and all of that

malarkey back then. Now everything

is recorded, no matter what you do,

I walk out the hotel room, and it’s

recorded by someone.”

Craig went into the studio and

recorded Revelations — Songs Boys

Don’t Sing. It was a stunning collection

of tunes that showcased a marvellous,

emotive, pitch-perfect voice. His

interpretations of such songs as

Memory showed a discombobulating

degree of warmth and empathy,

Don’t Rain On My Parade cast him as

the ultimate razzle-dazzle showman,

while As Long As He Needs Me, became

a song that took on new meaning with

Craig’s thoughtful tenderness.

Just like the Great British public,

who gave the singer his first chart hit,

Craig was thrilled. “Singing is such a

liberating experience. Each song on

the album means something to me.

You know, the first ever musical that

my mum went to see with the kids was

Jesus Christ Superstar, so I’ve recorded I

Don’t Know How To Love Him.

“Waltzing Matilda is in there

because I was born in Australia

and when we grew up it was like a

national anthem.”

Craig’s show will be about much

more than his favourite songs, of

course. He’ll also tell stories about the

part they’ve played in his life — and,

yes, spoiler alert, there’ll be plenty of

tales about Stories, from the other side

of the dancefloor.

“I want to talk about the songs that

I love and the reasons they are still

with me and in my life. I know I’ve

written three autobiographies, but my

autobiographies were always about

how I got Strictly. This show, for me,

is strictly about music and my passion

and love for it.

“That’s what drives my life and it’s

just so nice to be able to get up there

and sing and entertain people really

because that’s what I was born to do.”

Many of the songs will be familiar

to Craig’s fans — and will have a

special place in their heart, just as

they do in Craig’s.

“I wanted to do Memory, from Cats,

because I was in that show, but I’d

never get to sing that song because

I’d obviously never get the part of

Grizabella. It’s the same with I Don’t

Know How To Love Him, from Oliver!

It just goes without saying, you know,

that I’ll never play Nancy.

“So the record, and the tour, gives

me an opportunity to sing songs

that I know and love. The show

will be about my love for the music

and how it’s affected my life. It’ll be

about relationships, too, because we

all go through the same emotions

in relationships.

“I’ll be talking about that, and

heartbreak, and where it can lead.

You know, Adele has proved proved

how much emotion heartbreak can

evoke, not just for singers, but for the

audience, too.”

Craig will be joined on stage

by the super talented musician,

Ben Goddard, who fans will

recall from their double-act on

Celebrity Gogglebox. He can’t wait

to hang out with one of his best

mates, and is expecting plenty of

laughter along the way.

“The tour will be the opportunity

to have a good time along with Ben,

who I love. I’ve worked with him

quite a lot, either directing with him

or we did a one-man show together,

which was hilarious.

“For me, this is about the real Craig

Revel Horwood, not the judge Craig

Revel Horwood. It’s about my life

before I became a judge, and then

my life after being a judge, because

that, of course, is the only thing that

I’m famous for.”

Now it’s time to hit the road - Craig

will be completing a huge tour with

and can hardly wait. He’s more

than happy to temporarily ditch

the comfort of his judge’s chair on

Strictly, or the comfort of a West End

theatre, as he heads into the regions.

“The reason I love touring is that it

takes me to the people and I get to see

the country. It’s about that as much as

meeting people and learning because,

you know, in certain areas, you’ll get

different audiences.

“Every city and town has a

wonderful theatre and we’ll be

visiting those gems and thinking, you

know, wow. I’m going to 53 theatres

around the country in three months,

you know, it’s pretty full on. But it’s

great, it’s fantastic, and there’s some

places I’ve been before that I can’t

wait to return to, and those places

I’ve never been.

It’s going to be great. I’m looking

forward to it.”

With that, it’s time to call it a wrap.

Craig Revel Horwood has become

part of the national discourse with

his humorous role on Strictly, but, as

importantly, he’s been responsible

for some of the nation’s best work in

musical theatre.

Now it’s time for him to step out of

the shadow and take centre stage.

It’s time to hear him sing like never

before. And it’s time to hear Craig

Revel Horwood’s very own, very

personal Revelations.

Tickets for the show on

17 April can be booked at

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

16 YOUR LETTERS

APRIL 2025


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Potholes in Turkey Road. Image, Google Maps

BEXHILL HIGHWAY

MAINTENANCE

DEAR EDITOR, Whilst I appreciate the

long-term dangerous state of Bexhill’s

roads is very familiar to all residents, I

hope the East Sussex County Council’s

new contractor, Balfour (for 2024-

2031), can react better than their

previous contractor.

Do be aware that when you report

a highway danger to ‘East Sussex

Highways’, you are in fact dealing

with the County’s contractor and not

the ESCC staff.

Having given up waiting for either

parties’ staff to inspect, report and repair

(some) really dangerous potholes, as

they are self regulating/supervising their

own work, I have today reported online

— the two subsidences in Cooden Sea

Road, both near the roundabout, Turkey

Road’s multiple sharp edged potholes

and of course Birkdale’s driver’s

exciting experience.

I’ll leave the now total surface

breakdown of Westcourt Drive for

someone else to report, I first reported

this in 2018. No action.

In my fruitless correspondence with

all levels of the ESCC up to CEO, I have

learned the following since 2013;

1 The ESCC cannot tell the difference

between a water-caused subsidence

and a pothole, e.g., 1, Westcourt Drive

subsidence I reported in 2013, treated

by their unsupervised contractor for

five years as a pothole, filled in five

times with a blob of bitmac before

finally a dig down repair treated

finally as the reported subsidence.

The wasted cost! Eg.2. Sackville

Rd, Subsidence near the seaside

roundabout, reported in 2021,

waited 3-4 years.

2 Lack of supervision, confirmed by

an email to me, by the then ESCC

Highways Committee Chairman

— ‘our contractor does not require

supervision, we trust him!’.

3 The ESCC pre-tender subcommittee

was presented with a detailed report

showing the failure of the ESCC

Priority Specification for highway

repairs and its cost implications. This

was prepared by a Tory Councillor,

also an experienced Highway

Engineer, as am I.

All his recommendations were

rejected by the ESCC Councillor

Leader, except for one new addition —

the new contractor shall provide a list

of the work he carries out each month

to the ESCC. This begs the question

— were the ESCC paying the previous

seven-year contractor blindly (and

unsupervised by direct ESCC staff),

except for a ‘random six month’ or so

visit? The wasted cost!

4. Thanks to the approved Government

TIGRR Report of Feb 2021 which

stated, ‘complainants should be asked

to take Personal Court Action! When

complaints were ignored, appeals to

the Local Government Ombudsman

(LGO) elicit the same advice. The

LGO, under new management, is

reviewing that approach and will now

become involved!

5 The ESCC parking meters in Bexhill,

(my experience, those on West

Parade), were not second-hand, but,

the CEO confirms were ‘pre-used’

ex-Eastbourne!

They have been consistently

unreliable for coin operation and

sometimes credit card operation.

Apparently, we residents are expected

to report the failures — as clearly

their contractor does not inspect

them for which they are paid. But

the ESCC CEO confirms they are all

‘remotely supervised’. That is not

working well is it?

6 As a trial, ESCC masked off three

meters ‘to see if they were well

used’, surprise, they weren’t and

have been removed.

There is now a half-mile return trip to a

working Meter in West Parade for some

users. The CEO then ‘instigated a more

regular inspection by the contractor’!

At first complaint, she stated all the

meters were working correctly — which

was untrue. She finally confirmed only

three meters required their initiating

green button be replaced.

Apparently, this was because some

users were using a pen or other hard

item to make the heat-sensitive button

work! So, presumably, that’s why many

of the ex-Eastbourne meters didn’t

function at installation? Or was it too

cold in Bexhill?

The ESCC had one of the worst records

for Highway repairs and expenditure in

England before 2010 Austerity, before

Covid, and the’ lowest County Council

taxes in the South’. So make your

choice, cheap or safe?

So, readers, don’t be complacent,

report your complaints directly to the

ESCC, keep records and do not give

up, but imagine the current ESCC Lead

Councillors having the majority vote

on ALL LA local services after the

Local Government Reorganisation next

year. Dear God.

Mr. I.M.Griffiths.

EMPTY SEAFRONT BAYS

DEAR EDITOR, I live in Sutton Place,

TN40. The seafront for most of the

year is empty of cars, mainly because

(understandably) people don’t want

to pay to park!

Therefore, everyone parks in Sutton

Place. However, this causes major

problems for the residents. The majority

of the residents are over 70 years old

and are unable to gain easy access to

their flats because of this.

Sutton Place has also become an

overflow car park for several cars and

vans, the same ones park everyday, who

are avoiding paying permit charges in

the roads surrounding Sutton Place.

This is a crazy situation, when the

seafront is empty!

I will not shop in town any longer

if I have to pay to park. If I went into

town three times a week at £1.35

for two hours, that will be an extra

£16.20 + a month out of my already

inadequate pension!

I can no longer pop in to visit friends,

browse in the shops, buy a loaf of

bread, treat myself to a coffee. It will

cause isolation for many of the aged

population in Bexhill.

There is not even an adequate bus

service along the seafront that I could

use. The yellow bus is great, but only

runs every two hours.

How anyone can say that increasing

the parking charges will have a positive

impact on the local economy I do not

De La Warr Pavilion Parade and Sutton Place Image, Google Maps

know! I know for a fact that several

residents have spoken to counsellors

about the situation, but we are

just fobbed off.

The fact remains that the seafront

parking areas are for the most part

empty so where is this scheme working?

Anon

DEAR EDITOR, Here is a suggestion on

improving the town centre environment

for business, local people and visitors.

The car park in Wainwright Road,

although hidden away, is actually

only 3-5 minutes walk from the traffic

lights in Sackville Road. Although some

goodwill and collaboration between

various parties would be needed,

it could so easily be the main town

centre car park.

The dreadful Twitten down past

the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ building to

Terminus Road needs to be taken in

hand and made safe and welcoming.

If Bexhill Estates could get behind

the initiative and lower its east wall

so that there was good visibility when

using the Twitten, (or even allow

the Twitten to be widened though I

guess that is asking too much), that

would be wonderful.

Some lighting in the Twitten and a

zebra crossing to enable folk to safely

cross Terminus Road are presumably

all do-able. Now the pavements under

the railway bridge have been widened

to accommodate people walking in both

directions, this all becomes much easier.

Maybe Network Rail could be persuaded

to tidy up the railway embankment both

in Terminus Road and in Sackville Road.

Artwave might like to revisit their

work at the bus stop shelter and repaint

with light, bright seaside colours? The

car park could be easily signposted

from the Link Road and A259 as the

main town centre car park. If Public

Conveniences ever come back into

fashion as a core public amenity, then

a set of those to welcome visitors

would be brilliant.

This way whilst Devonshire Road

benefits from footfall from the railway

station, Sackville Road with its splendid

WHAT DO YOU THINK?



view of the sea would benefit from

visitors arriving by car.

Friends in Eastbourne and Hastings

like to visit Bexhill because of our

wonderful diverse range of small

restaurants and cafes and the fantastic

service from our local shopkeepers

who have proper conversations with

their customers.

Kathryn Cole

WHAT ARE WE

MARKETING?

DEAR EDITOR, It’s of some surprise

to read of the advertisement for the

position of Marketing Officer at Bexhill

Council in your newspaper.

Thought must be given to the

abundance of serious road potholes,

broken weed-ridden pavements,

bank, toilet and threatened post office

closures and increasingly vacant

shops in addition to the recent parking

restrictions. The list is hardly a catalog to

attract visitors to our town.

Would it be better to get one’s house

in order first and find ways to put the

heart back in the town — only then can

it be promoted.

We read that Eastbourne, Hastings

and now Worthing are all successfully

pedestrianising their main streets. What

an opportunity there is in Devonshire

Road from Albany Road to the Sea which

is crying out for the same treatment.

There then could be alfresco eating,

license-controlled street entertainment

and market vendors producing

additional Council revenue and all in a

green vehicle-free environment.

Residents parking could be easily

reallocated in the underused Square and

delivery trucks restricted by times as

in other towns.

Urgent action is needed by the Bexhill

Town and Rother District Council while

they have the power to do so. Or are

we to watch our town die and get left

behind at the risk of becoming a pawn

when the newly proposed Greater

Sussex Council takes power.

Anon

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill APRIL 2025 ADVERTORIAL 17

A D V E R T I S E R P R O M O T I O N

Falconry Photography

Workshops launched

for bird of prey lovers

BUDDING photographers are

being offered the chance to dust off

their cameras after a long winter

and take part in a new series of

workshops designed to develop

their skills and spend time with

some stunning raptors.

Set within the stunning

grounds of Herstmonceux Castle

and Gardens, the Falconry

Photography Workshops are a rare

opportunity to get up close and

personal with birds of prey and

capture some incredible images

at the same time.

These workshops, in association

with East Sussex Falconry,

allow photographers to learn,

or practice their skills through

a series of exercises with the

assistance of an experienced

Photographer and Falconer.

Attendees will be able to capture

both posed/static images and shots

of flying owls, falcons and hawks

in a variety of settings within the

ancient woodland.

The group of no more than ten

attendees will be guided through

each set-up, with advice and support

if needed on camera settings, use of

equipment and best positions to get

some amazing images.

The course is designed for

beginners as tuition through

each section of the day will be

given, but more experienced

photographers are welcome.

Get those batteries charged

and storage cards at the ready, as

you’ll be sure to shoot hundreds

of images at this exciting and

educational experience which is a

perfect gift or a day out to practice

photography techniques in a

controlled environment.

ON THE DAY

On arrival, following a briefing, there

will be a short introduction to the

birds and some time will be set aside

to get the cameras warmed up with

some static images.

You’ll then be introduced to a Harris

Hawk Cedar, who loves nothing but

leading you through the woods on a

Forest Walk whilst he darts between

the trees and swoops down, making

the perfect shot if you’re quick!

Bramble, the Long-Eared Barn Owl

will then slow the pace a little as she

silently glides through the glades or

sits perfectly for a rest on a nearby

branch in the sunlight.

After a break for lunch and to

compare the morning’s work, it will be

time for the pair of stunning Yellow-

Billed Kites to take to the skies as they

soar around waiting for the Falconer to

offer up some food on his fist. Capture

them as they speed in from a distance

and grab the food in a flash.

The day will end with a challenge

to see if you have the skill to capture

Neo, the Lanner Falcon, as he stoops

from a height towards the Lure - a

prize is given to the photographer

who can secure a successful

photo of the stoop!

OTHER WORKSHOPS

Although the first workshop is

designed for beginner photographers,

interested residents can express their

interest on other dates which will soon

be announced for more advanced

photographers and keen youngsters

under 18 years old.

If you cannot attend on the date

below but would like to know about

future dates, just visit the website and

sign up for updates.

For only £135 per person, you can

attend on Sunday 11th May, 2025.

Be quick as workshops are limited

to 10 attendees.

ATTENDEE

REQUIREMENTS

Participants should bring a Digital

SLR-style camera, preferably with

manual controls.

Be over 18 years old and able

to attend as an individual.

Spectators/ guests cannot be

accommodated at this time.

If available, a lens with a zoom

of 200mm minimum is best,

but not essential

Tripods are not necessary

during the workshop, but you may

want to bring a monopod if you

have a heavy lens.

Ability to walk through forest and

woodland for a whole day.

CONTACT AND BOOK

Book your place by scanning

the QR Code, or visiting

www.sussexairimaging.co.uk/

falconry-photographic-workshops/

Alternatively, for more information

you can call 01273 950311.

18 REGULARS

APRIL 2025


Conservatives announced candidates

for Sussex Mayor elections

TIM Loughton, the Conservative

MP for East Worthing & Shoreham

between 1997 and 2024, has

thrown his hat into the ring to be

the Conservative candidate for the

new Mayor of Sussex.

Campaigning under the banner

of ‘Rooted in Sussex, Rooting for

Sussex’, Tim is fighting his campaign

on six key policy areas:

• Taking control of our own

finances: Sussex revenues for

Sussex infrastructure

• Making Sussex a place where

young people can learn well, earn

well and afford to make their

homes closer to home

• Fewer roadworks and more

roads that work

• A joined-up Sussex Skills

programme to Get Sussex Working

and attract inward investment

• More visible police officers

pursuing criminals rather than

Political Correctness

• Valuing our farmers against

Labour’s attacks and protecting

our rich Downland and

coastal environment

The first Mayor of Sussex will be

elected in May 2026. The role will

Tim Laughton

have powers over the economy,

infrastructure, transport, inward

investment, housing and skills and will

take over the functions of the Police

and Crime Commissioner.

For half of his 27 years in

Parliament, Tim served on the

Conservative frontbench, most

notably as Minister for Children and

Young People. For 10 years he was

Deputy Chairman and Chairman of

the influential Home Affairs Select

Committee and chaired All Party

Parliamentary Groups in a wide

range of areas.

Tim launched his campaign with

a video emphasising his roots and

lifelong attachments across the whole

of Sussex. He was born in Eastbourne,

attended The Pells and Priory Schools

in Lewes, grew up and was married in

Alfriston and has lived in West Sussex

and represented a West Sussex

constituency for the last 30 years. His

call to arms to be the Conservative

candidate in the upcoming campaign

is summed up as ‘Rooted in Sussex,

Rooting for Sussex.’

Tim commented: “I have the

experience, skills and record of

public service nationally and locally

to be that strong voice for the County

that I love, and which has been

my home for all my life. This job

will mean competing with metro

mayors in other parts of the country

predominantly led by former Labour

MPs and it needs someone with

extensive experience of navigating

Government, ministers’ offices and

national agencies, as I have for 30

years. This Labour Government

has declared war on so many of

the communities that form the

backbone of Sussex — farmers,

pensioners, small businesses, young

entrepreneurs, the hospitality

industry to name a few.

“We need to be united to fight back.

My roots and experience mean I can

represent and unite all of Sussex,

young and old, east and west, urban

and rural, downland and coastal. This

is the only position that really fires me

up to stay in frontline politics and I

am raring to get back to the campaign

trail and fight for Sussex at the top

table and for Conservative values in

our communities.”

Katy Bourne, the

current Sussex

Police and Crime

Commissioner has

also announced

she will be

standing in the

elections next

year.

Katy Bourne

She said: “I will be seeking to ensure

that, under a mayoral model of

police governance, the unique local

identity and character of our police

force is preserved and the public’s

voice in policing will continue to

be strongly articulated across all of

Sussex, including our rural towns

and villages. To this end, I will be

seeking nomination for Mayoral

candidacy in due course.

“My office is already in dialogue

with the Home Office and the

Ministry of Housing, Communities

and Local Government and we fully

expect to be working in collaboration

with our local authorities as the

devolution process moves forward.”

Former MP for

Hastings and Rye,

Sally-Ann Hart will

also be standing

as part of the

party’s line-up.

She said:

“Devolution must

benefit every

part of Sussex. A Sally-Ann Hart

strong, decisive and unapologetic

Conservative mayor, with a clear

plan for uniting the county, can

make this work. We need someone

who understands, nurtures and

develops the unique strengths, and

understands and addresses the

challenges, of each part of Sussex,

and who is willing to stand up for

residents and businesses.

“It means fighting for investment in

the places that have been historically

overlooked, ensuring that no town

or village is left behind. If chosen as

the Conservative mayoral candidate,

I will ensure this new Combined

Authority delivers real benefits for

all of Sussex based on practical,

community-focused leadership.

1

32

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s a v e

single fares

for just

£1, £2 £3 or

find out more:

on buses

in East Sussex

eastsussex.gov.uk

/bus-fares


BY FAYE WAITE

LIFE shapes us in unique ways,

and our experiences — both joyful

and painfu — mould who we are.

But no matter what we’ve been

through, I truly believe we can

overcome anything.

I’m Faye, the founder of Find Flow

with Faye, and my journey to wellness

has been anything but conventional.

Raised by my incredible mum,

who was widowed while pregnant

with me, I grew up watching her

train in holistic therapies. She

began her journey in 2001, and

through her, I learned the power of

alternative healing.

When she met my stepdad, I gained

a father figure who took me in as

his own. Years later, when he was


Incredible Journey to

Wellness and Empowerment

diagnosed with terminal cancer, my

mum cared for him with unwavering

love. Losing him was devastating.

I had a breakdown, which led to

my diagnosis of high-functioning

autism—a revelation that finally

helped me understand myself.

Alongside my emotional struggles,

I battled endometriosis from a

young age. As a teenager, the

symptoms including intense pain,

vomiting, IBS, and even fainting were

dismissed as something to ‘control or

stress related.’

After surgery failed to help, I

turned to prescription painkillers

like Tramadol and Codeine. I felt lost

in a cycle of pain and medication,

disconnected from myself. Then,

a doctor suggested something

unexpected: hot yoga. That moment

changed my life.

Through hot yoga, I began to

reclaim my body, mind, and spirit.

The intense physical challenge,

the moving meditation, the ability

to sit with discomfort instead of

numbing it—this practice became

my sanctuary. Over the years,

I’ve explored countless therapies,

including CBT, hypnotherapy,

Bach flower remedies, functional

movement coaching, reiki, and more.

Yet, no matter what, I always come

back to yoga and meditation. These

practices remind me that healing

isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our emotional

and physical responses are deeply

interconnected, and true wellness

requires a holistic approach.

Today, as a mother to a toddler,

navigating a divorce and embracing

the next chapter of my life, I feel

stronger and more excited for

the future than ever. I’ve faced

challenges, but I’ve also found

resilience, community, and joy.

That’s why I created Find Flow with

Faye — to share what I’ve learned

and help others find their own path

to healing too.

A SPACE FOR EVERYONE

At Find Flow with Faye, I offer more

than just yoga — I create a space

for you to reconnect with yourself,

whether you’re overcoming physical

pain, navigating mental struggles, or

simply seeking balance.

To build resilience, strengthen both

body and mind, and release tension —

Hot Yoga 26+2 is for you.

To restore harmony in both mind

and body — 1-2-1 Reiki is for you.

To foster connection, self-reflection,

and emotional understanding —

Cacao Circles are for you.

No matter where you are on your

journey, you are not alone. Healing

is possible. Strength is already within

you. And together, we can find flow.

• Hot Yoga — Monday, Wednesday,

and Friday, 6:30-7:30 PM @ 19 St

Street at The Fame Academy

• Women’s Cacao Circle — First

Friday of the month, 8:00-9:30 PM

@ 19 St Street at The Fame Academy

• Cacao Workshops — Held

at Little Chelsea Health Shop

on Sundays (11 AM-1 PM) as

and when scheduled

• Booking — All sessions are

bookable via GymCatch, with the

link available on my website

Join me at FindFlowWithFaye.com

or email me at findflowwithfaye@

gmail.com and let’s move

forward—together.

At our Bexhill Clinic, your

ears are wholly looked after

and you can book appointments

for all your hearing

needs:

l Microsuction wax removal l Hearing tests l Customised earplugs

l Second opinions and more...

WAX REMOVAL

£65 FOR BOTH EARS

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ASSESSMENTS

Call us today to make

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01424 733030

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COMPREHENSIVE

HEARING HEALTH

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Contact us for more information

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday

9am–1pm, 2pm–5pm.

The Bexhill Hearing Centre, 11 Sea

Road, Bexhill, TN40 1EE

20 REGULARS

APRIL 2025


NEWS FROM YOUR CONSERVATIVE MP

DR KIERAN MULLAN

Honoring Ukrainian Voices

and Building Bexhill’s Future

THE 24th of February marked the

three-year anniversary of Russia’s

illegal invasion in Ukraine. In

those three years, the United

National Human Rights High

Commissioner reports nearly

13,000 civilians have been killed,

alongside nearly 30,000 injured.

The number of Ukrainian soldiers,

both killed or injured, stands far

higher and truly is a great tragedy.

As the UNHCR reports 15

million people have been forcibly

displaced and left stateless by this

terrible conflict.

But Ukraine and its people are

not alone in this conflict. The UK

stands shoulder to shoulder with

Ukraine. Not only has Ukraine

been battling a flagrant breach of

land and sovereignty over the last

three years, but it is also on the

frontline protecting the shared

principles that underpin our whole

way of life - democracy, liberty, and

the rule of law.

As part of the UK’s wider efforts

to support Ukrainians, the last

Government started the ‘Homes for

Ukraine’ programme which, as of

the end of 2024, had welcomed some

160,500 Ukrainians into the UK1.

Last month, I had the privilege of

meeting several Ukrainians who have

been living in the UK after they were

displaced from their homeland, as I

joined them to celebrate the launch of

their book, the Voices of Volya.

The Volya Voices are a choir of

women who have found sanctuary in

Bexhill-on-Sea, and the surrounding

areas, and have come together with

the common cause of supporting

the defenders of their homeland by

raising funds to send tactical medical

equipment to support those on

the frontline.

The book they have released is

a combination of photographic

portraits and personal accounts

of their stories and recently had a

two week launch at the De La Warr

Pavilion – I was honoured for the

opportunity to attend this launch

and conveyed my admiration for the

Ukrainian people and their country.

Zelensky is an incredibly brave leader

who deserves our support.

As Keir Starmer has made clear,

the UK will continue to support the

people of Ukraine no matter what our

other allies do.

We are lucky to live in East Sussex

and being at the De La Warr Pavilion

reminds me of all the wonderful

venues and attractions that our area

has to offer. English Tourism Week

in March was an opportunity to

celebrate the tourism and hospitality

sector which is so important to our

local economy.

Bexhill is a great visitor destination

with a beautiful seafront promenade

and beaches, parks, a museum,

interesting independent shops and

plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants.

It is in easy reach of the historic

town of Battle and sits right in the

middle of historically significant

buildings in British history including

Battle Abbey, Pevensey Castle

and Bodiam Castle. I’ve enjoyed

visiting all three!

English Tourism Week in March

was a chance to celebrate the local

tourism and hospitality sector which

is so important to our area. The

Sussex visitor economy supports

more than 74,000 jobs which is 14 per

cent of all jobs in the region and is

worth £5bn to the local economy.

At present, our local visitor

economy relies more on day trips

than overnight stays. We have a

wonderful destination hotel at far

end of Bexhill, the Relais Cooden

Beach, and a selection of smaller

boutique and family-run hotels in

the centre of town. What we don’t

yet have is a large budget hotel

which would attract even more

visitors to stay in the town longer.

I’d like to better understand what

factors would attract a larger hotel

to our area so I’m setting up a Task

Force under the Bexhill Town Board

to investigate this and to see what the

challenges and opportunities are.

I’m pleased to say that the Bexhill

Town Board is moving forward at a

pace and is working on developing

a Town Plan — a 10-year vision

and 3-year investment plan which we

need to submit to government.

The Town Board was set up

under the former ‘Longer-Term

Plan for Towns’ which the current

government has recently renamed

the ‘Plan for Neighbourhoods’.

Despite the government’s recent

media announcement making it

sound like a whole new programme

of investment, it is the exactly the

same money which was committed

by the previous government — £20

million over 10 years with a split

of 75% capital spending and 25%

revenue spending.

The objectives of the re-named

programme are broadly the same

which is good news as it means

that the work already carried out to

engage and consult on local priorities

remains entirely relevant. I look

forward to sharing more news as

the plans develop.

ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

BY DOUG OLIVER, COUNCILLOR AND COUNCIL LEADER

Major Council overhaul:

Residents to have their say

IT’S been lovely to finally be able to

enjoy a few days of blue skies and

sunshine and great to see so many

people out and about enjoying our

green spaces and beaches.

As we head into spring and

hopefully some more settled and

warmer weather, I would like to

take this opportunity to encourage

people to support local businesses,

particularly those that rely on

seasonal trade.

We are extremely lucky to live in

such a beautiful part of the world

and I look forward to the hustle and

bustle of the spring/summer season

and the welcome boost it brings

to our economy.

There has been much discussion

in recent weeks about the

reorganisation of local government.

As part of the Government’s

White Paper on devolution, the five

district and borough councils in

East Sussex, and the county council

were asked for their initial thoughts

on reorganisation, which aims to

streamline services and make them

more efficient for residents.

Devolution is one of the

biggest changes, challenges and

opportunities we have faced in recent

years and it’s important that we do

everything we can to shape proposals

to ensure they are in the best interests

of our residents and businesses.

Last month, we held an

extraordinary council meeting to

discuss and agree on an interim

plan for Local Government

Reorganisation, as did the

other councils.

The Government’s guidance for

proposed new unitary authorities is

that they should serve a population of

at least 500,000 residents and under

the plan the five existing district and

borough councils and East Sussex

County Council would be abolished

to create a new authority for residents

of East Sussex.

One thing the interim plan stresses

is that the reorganisation has to be

funded by central Government and

not from existing councils’ budgets,

which would have a detrimental

effect on their ability to deliver vital

services to residents.

I think it’s fair to say that all six

councils involved want what’s best for

residents and businesses and all are

committed to working together on a

new model that achieves this.

The plan will be shared during a

public consultation and we will keep

residents up to date with progress to

make sure they can give their views.

The reorganisation is separate

from proposals to create a strategic

authority with an elected mayor

that will cover the whole of Sussex,

east, west and Brighton & Hove. A

Government consultation continues

until Sunday, April 13 and residents

can take part by visiting Gov.Uk.

COMMUNITY GRANTS

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

There was some positive news

for clubs and organisations

across the district who shared a

£51,000 community grant fund

pot for projects that support

local communities.

In the second round of this

financial year’s funding, we were

able to approve grants to four clubs

and organisations.

Brede Parish Council was given

£8,000 to help fund a new fenced

play area, Space for Yew was

awarded £2,200 to help purchase

play equipment for its work with

neurodivergent families in rural

Rother, Westfield Football Club

secured £15,000 towards new

floodlights for its community stadium

and Westfield Parish Council was

awarded £26,250 as part funding for

new accessible play equipment.

I’m extremely proud that Rother

District Council has been able to

continue its community grant

fund with the help of the Rother

Community Lottery. The groups

and organisations that apply for the

funding provide extremely valuable

services to local communities

and make a huge different to the

people of Rother.

Groups are often reluctant to apply

for funding, believing they are not

eligible. Applications for the first

round of grants open at the beginning

of April and I really would encourage

anyone who believes they could

benefit to speak to their local district

councillor or visit the Rother District

Council website.


BEXHILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM UPDATE

CHAMBER ECHOES

Are we fighting a losing battle in Bexhill?

BEXHILL Chamber of Commerce

has recently launched a £25k

Centenary Fund for businesses in

celebration of our hundredth year

of supporting our community.

Unfortunately, our fund will not be

enough to save the six businesses that

are tenants of Rother District Council

(RDC) in the iconic Colonnade

building on Bexhill seafront.

RDC has announced that five of the

six businesses in the Colannade will

not have their current leases renewed

when they expire in September,

forcing the businesses to move out

to allow for essential refurbishment

work on the Edwardian structure

of the building.

The refurb is intended to maximise

the value of the building as the

council sells off and devolves its

assets as part of the ongoing local

authority restructuring.

Rother has so far refused to give the

businesses a guarantee that they can

return to their premises following

the renovation works. In effect, five

successful businesses, all run by

women entrepreneurs, have been

as good as evicted and left unable

to operate properly as we enter the

important summer season.

As a Chamber of Commerce, we

are united in support for these hardworking

members, but also angry

that once again our local council is

acting in such a way as to deter and

discourage business investment.

The women of The Pebble People,

The Bag Lady, Unica Costmetics,

Rachel’s Glass Store and Hughies

Café have worked incredibly hard

over the past decade to build their

unique combination of craft-based

independent businesses and

popular seafront takeaway. These

are the lifeblood of our seafront and

independent business community.

The Colonnade Café, which is

on a long lease that will not be

terminated in September, will also

suffer a negative business impact

due to the extensive nature of the

refurbishment work and the lack of

footfall generated by the shops.

What is a real tragedy for Bexhill is

The Colonnade Café on Bexhill’s seafront

that these businesses are not being

offered any support by the council

in either relocating temporarily

or permanently.

Our Chamber is doing what we can,

but despite our Centenary Grant fund

being available to the businesses

to apply to fit out premises, the

Government rules dictate it cannot be

used for renting a town centre shop

front that the Colonnade businesses

will so desperately need to survive

post September. If any shop landlords

or agents can help with viable rents,

please contact the Chamber.

With the recent news of Santander

and Shoezone also closing down

in Bexhill our Chamber is doing

its best by supporting the business

community with our Centenary Fund,

but in many ways, it seems we are

fighting a losing battle when our local

council is willing to maximise the

value of their own assets by closing

down five successful businesses with

the stroke of a pen.

If your business, charity or

association would like to apply

to our centenary fund please

find details on our website:

www.bexhillchamber.org


Caring for your

loved ones for

almost a decade

RIGHT at Home Eastbourne & Bexhill

opened its doors to clients in 2016, when

it first started delivering home care, also

known as domiciliary care, in Eastbourne

and the surrounding areas.

Since then, the team has grown to over 90

CareGivers and a permanent management

team of six, operating out of their office

in Eastbourne.

Over the years, the company has swelled from

one room to a suite of offices, and the travel

kettle has been replaced with two enormous

tea urns. On any given day, a steady stream

of carers pop in, be it for induction training,

refresher training, team meetings, menopause

support groups, or new applicants being

welcomed for interviews.

Prospective clients and their next of kin

might also come in for a chat. Children, dogs

and even the odd cat visit make sure there is

never a dull moment.

The company offers a wide range of services

that are tailored to the needs and wishes of

each individual. A fundamental aspect of

high-quality home care is a commitment to

ongoing learning.

As well as in-depth face-to-face training, staff

are offered diplomas in social care, with all

office staff holding a Level 5 or Level 4 Diploma

in Adult Health and Social Care. Targeted

training such as Buccal, PEG and nutritional

support is given on a regular basis, and staff

are given the opportunity to attend the Virtual

Dementia Tour bus.

If any client needs additional specialised care,

further training is sourced on demand. Working

with other care professionals builds valuable

relationships in the community, benefits

clients, their next of kins and carers alike.

The company takes great pride in being

the highest-rated home care provider in the

Eastbourne area according to independent

client review site homecare.co.uk, and it has

also received a 5* WorkBuzz Employer Award

for two years running.

Social care has its challenges, but

communication, teamwork and a good sense

of humour help.

For Valentine’s Day, the team raised £170 in

a matter of days for BHF, and for Easter this

year is holding another fundraiser for the

EDAA (Eastbourne Dementia Action Alliance).

Whether anyone dares to dress up as a chicken

in the office remains to be seen, but you can

keep an eye out for eggstra news on Facebook.

To discuss your needs, contact us on

01323 414 658 or visit our wesbite,

www.rightathome.co.uk/eastbourne-and-bexhill

The Bull Inn

To call, or reserve a table: 01424 424984

530 BEXHILL ROAD, ST LEONARDS ON SEA, TN38 8AY

www.bullstleonards.co.uk

Facebook: @bullinnstleonards

Sunday Folk Session - 6th April & 4th May from 5:30pm

Monday Charity Quiz - 14th & 28th from 8:00pm

Sunday Rock ‘n Roll Bingo - 13th from 6:00pm

Sunday Karaoke - 20th from 5:30pm

Other Events

COMING SOON!

Watch this space for details of our exciting Summer

entertainment schedule, taking place in our

fabulous beer Garden. Something for everyone!

Traditional freshly cooked ‘Pub Grub’ with many classic favourites,

HOMEMADE PIES are our speciality! We also serve Goddard’s traditional Pie, Mash

and Liquor. In addition, our traditional Sunday Roast is served every week. Enjoy

our secluded beer garden, we have a large car park at the rear and

we’re dog friendly too!

22 REGULARS

APRIL 2025


KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

OPEN EVERY WED & SAT UNTIL 22 OCT

For details, please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk

and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

O my delicious April, never cease, to weep and smile at once! — Alfred Austin, Savonarola: A Tragedy, 1881

The month of April is traditionally a

time for showers and sunshine, the

ideal combination for our plants and,

therefore, time to get weeding! I also

think this is an apt month to consider

what lies ahead and how we can make

the most of the precious resource that

is rainwater.

Our mains tap water in the UK is of

good quality, but plants don’t need

perfectly clean water. As gardeners, we

can help to avoid hosepipe bans in the

future by using our water resources

wisely. A significant amount of energy

and treatment are used to provide safe

water to our homes, so using stored

rainwater or grey water in your garden

also lowers your carbon emissions.

Rest assured, using mains water isn’t

ideal anyway. There are so many good

things that Nature provides within rain

and so consider the following:

Rain is beneficial to plants because

it provides them with pure, soft water,

free of the chemicals and salts found in

tap water, which can build up in the soil

and harm plant growth.

Rainwater has a natural pH of around

seven, which is the ideal pH for most

plants to thrive, and it also contains

nitrates, a crucial form of nitrogen for

Tulipa ‘Purple Prince’. Photo John Glover

plant growth, encouraging lush leafy

plants to thrive.

Rainwater helps flush out excess

salts and minerals that can build up

in the soil, especially in potted plants,

promoting healthy soil and plant growth.

It is, therefore, much better for your

houseplant collection than tap water.

In terms of feeding your plants, you

are actually giving them food as well as

water if you use rainwater. Rainwater

helps unlock and make available

micro-nutrients and minerals already

present in the soil, allowing plants to

readily absorb them.

So, now you know the benefits of

watering your precious plants with

collected rainwater, let us consider

when our plants really need it.

Houseplants require regular watering

indoors, but in a month or so, all your

houseplants can be carefully placed in a

New hedge. Photo John Glover

sheltered spot outside for their summer

holiday. Hopefully, they will receive

summer showers (rather than a deluge),

which will really improve their health

as rainwater washes away dust and

debris from plant leaves, clearing their

pores (stomata) and improving their

ability to take in CO2 and nutrients for

photosynthesis. Houseplants can get

incredibly dusty.

Plants need the most water in hot, dry

and windy weather, which is usually

when water companies are least able

to meet demand. Plants are most

vulnerable to shortages of water when

they are first planted and so keep a close

eye on your cherished purchases once

you have planted them in the ground or

in containers. This particularly applies

to bare-root woody stock that you put

in during the dormant season, which is

incredibly susceptible to a dry spring

and summer when their roots have not

yet established into the deeper, moister

layers of soil.

Check your newly planted shrubs,

trees, herbaceous perennials and

seedlings regularly. If your soil is in

good health and you regularly apply

organic material as a mulch, then your

established plants will need no further

watering. In fact, leaving them to search

for water for themselves will encourage

a good deep root system that is capable

of withstanding drought.

Annuals are plants that complete their

life cycle in one growing season. They

are generally easy to grow from seed

or can be bought as young plants from

nurseries and garden centres. These

will all need watering to be managed

carefully until their roots are established.

Your vegetable plot is the one area

where it is vital not to stint on irrigation.

Try to ensure that you have a water

butt installed on any nearby shed or

outbuilding, and consider that, even in

dry districts, 24,000 litres (5280 gallons

or 150 water butts) could be collected

from the roof each year.

Today, confidence in global climate

models has increased, and we now know

that extreme weather events are the

conditions most likely to be experienced

by the UK. The impact of these events,

such as flash flooding and periods of

drought, is likely to be compounded by

increased housing pressure, meaning

that gardens will become more critical

in providing services formerly delivered

by the natural environment — services

such as flood alleviation, carbon

sequestration and the provision of

habitats for wildlife — that will be lost

to development.

Water resources in the UK are

under pressure from climate change

and population growth. Gardeners

should, therefore, use mains water as

sparingly as they can. Let us all set

a good example to our neighbours,

fellow allotment holders, children and

grandchildren by cherishing the water

that Nature so kindly provides.

Enjoy your gardens in April.

ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

SADDLE UP FOR SUSSEX SPRING RIDES

April is the time when flowers start

to bloom and one can bling up and

bring out that bike which has been in

winter hibernation.

There is nothing better than joining

a group ride through our wonderful

Sussex coast and countryside. Cycling

for fun and fitness is nothing new.

Pictured are a bunch of happy cyclists

from various groups enjoying the

recreation of Bexhill Wheelers 1949

Ashburnham ride stopping at Brown

Bread Street. Members from 1066

Cycle Club can be spotted in the picture

with the building much the same

since it was built.

Fortunately, there are many cyclefriendly

clubs to help you on your way

with group rides. Bexhill Wheelers meet

all year every Thursday at 10am on De

La Warr Pavilion’s South Terrace for our

regular weekly ride. Here are some other

local rides available this April.

Eastbourne Bespoke are organising

an A27 cycle path ride on 12th April.

Starting at 10.30 from Towner Gallery

Eastbourne along the National Cycle

Network routes 21 & 2 going to the

newly opened Steamworks pub at Glyne

railway station. The joy of these events

they are near train stations and from

experience operators are very helpful in

allowing bicycles to travel.

This will give the opportunity for some

to see our wonderful countryside away

from traffic with gentle exercise, lookout

for the meerkats at Drusillars. Anyone

can turn up and join in and there is no

need to make contact first.

Hastings Urban Bikes is organising

another family-friendly Kidical mass

ride on Saturday 26th April. Starting

10am at Lower Lawns, Alexandra Park,

a 2.7 mile ride taking about 40 minutes.

Kidical Mass is a worldwide movement

for everyone aged 0-100 to encourage

use of the public highway in a colourful

way using sustainable transport. This is

not an anti-car protest group but being

positive about using bicycles for short

journeys. HUB are on social media and

can be found by a simple online search.

The big one is Sunday 27th April

Senlac St. Leonards Rotary Club’s annual

On-Yer-Bike Castle Cycle Challenge.

Options are 25, 40 or 75 miles taking

in Hastings, Pevensey, Herstmonceaux

Castles and out to Seaford for the really

fit and adventurous.

This is a ride through history with

William the Conqueror’s taking over and

rebuilding the Roman’s Pevensey Castle

a 270m x 170m perimeter stone wall

with 10m towers built in AD290. Soon

after the Pevensey landings, William

built an earth base, wooden keep and

palisade wall at Hastings which was

fortified with stone by 1070.

This is a ride through English history

and all for charity. On Hastings seafront,

we pass the 1875 marble statue of the

dying King Harold being held by his first

wife Edith on the battlefield, oh how

different our Country would be if the

battle had gone the other way.

Also, look out for the Fossil Tree

artwork installed by Sustrans, can

you follow the story and why it

was placed there?

One of the best ways to find a cycle

group is to go Cycling UK’s website and

put in your postcode in the find a local

club. You will see contact details of all

the local groups.

Happy Wheeling. Ian Hollidge &

Bexhill Wheelers.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill APRIL 2025 REGULARS 23


New Public Forum for the

Residents of Rother

THE Rother Forum was founded by resident

Sharon Blagrove and aims to provide a

platform for free speech and transparency

and an opportunity for residents to have

their say in a nice environment.

Meetings will be held bi-monthly taking

a traditional format with guest speakers on

different agendas and residents putting forward

their questions to the speakers.

NEXT MEETING: Sat 26th April – Devolution

and the reorganisation of local Government

and Law and Order across Rother, at The Town

Square Social Club, London Road, Bexhill, TN39

3JU. Chairman will be Mr Simon Elford.

Doors open at 11.20 with meetings starting

at 11.45. There will be 15-minute buffet

lunch break. Please send your questions in

advance of meetings, including your future

agenda suggestions.

Meetings in 2025: Sat June 14th–Sat August

16th–Sat October 25th

The Forum does not receive any funding, so

on July 27th we will be holding a fundraiser at

Sidley Working Men’s Club with something for

the whole family

Look for details in the local press in due course

and across social media.

Email alls correspondence to,

therotherforum@gmail.com or

call 07828 772475.

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24

APRIL 2025


BEXHILL MUSEUM with Gordon Smith

WHAT’S ON AT BEXHILL MUSEUM

NEW BEXHILL BOOK

LAUNCHES AT MUSEUM

Be the first to get

your hands on a new

book about Bexhill

and have it signed

by the authors.

Bexhill Museum

is hosting a launch

for Bexhill-on-Sea

in 50 Buildings.

The authors are David Hatherell and

Alan Starr. David is a museum volunteer

and member of the Local History

Group. He is also our expert on the

Second World War.

Alan is a local historian and author of

the popular books Secret Bexhill and

Literary Sussex.

The new book is a different way

of looking at the town’s history by

focusing on the great and not so great

buildings of the town.

The two authors will be signing copies

at the museum on Saturday 12 April

from 2-4pm. The book costs £15.99.

It will be on sale in the museum shop

from the following day.

BISMARCK MEMENTO

Newly displayed in the Bexhill in World

War 2 Gallery is a cigarette lighter.

When the German battleship

Bismarck was

sunk in May

1941 the British

fleet rescued

109 sailors

from the water.

One German

sailor wanted

to give

something in

gratitude for being rescued. All he had

on him was his cigarette lighter which

he gave to one of the British sailors.

It is on display underneath a model of

the Bismarck which was made by the

late John Vincent.

BEXHILL’S GERMAN

BOMBER

Also new in the gallery is this strange

piece of twisted metal.

It doesn’t look much but it is a

part of an aircraft which had an

unusual history.

It is a piece of the canopy of a Junkers

Ju-88 which ran out of fuel in 1940 and

crashed at Buckholt Farm in Bexhill.

It was taken away and repaired and

was flown again — this time by the RAF.

You can hear the full story from the

volunteers in the WW2 Gallery.

AFTERNOON DELIGHTS

There is also something new from the

museum’s fundraising group — a Spring

Musical Entertainment.

Come along and enjoy a fun afternoon

of ukulele music, delicious cakes and

maybe even an odd dance or two.

Music will be provided by the Battle

U3A Ukulele Group.

The venue is St Augustine’s Church

Hall on Wednesday 30 April from

2.30-4.30pm. Tea or coffee and cake are

included in the £7 ticket price. Tickets

must be pre-booked and are available

from the museum.

Other events coming up are a Tai

Chi session in Egerton Park on 17 May

and an open garden in Clavering Walk,

Bexhill, on 19 July.

Two popular events return later

in the year: the Curry Night at the

Shiplu Restaurant on 21 October

and the Quiz Night at Little Common

on 21 November.

EASTER TRAIL

An Easter Trail for children will run

through the school holidays. Those

taking part will receive a small

prize at the end.

The trail is included in the museum

admission price.

LIGHTHOUSE TALES

Ed Peppitt is a lighthouse nut.

He has visited every lighthouse

in England and Wales, mostly

on his bicycle.

You can hear about his journeys

in his talk on Our Coast’s Iconic

Lighthouses on Wednesday 2

April. It will feature our nearby

ones — Beachy Head and Belle Tout

plus our own Royal Sovereign. The

lantern tower of this is in storage

in Bexhill ready to take its place

in a planned maritime centre

on the seafront.

Ed will have copies of his book,

The Beacon Bike, which tells of his

journeys, for sale.

The talk will be at St

Augustine’s Church Hall in St

Augustine’s Close, Bexhill, and starts

at 2.30pm. Admission is £5 with

museum members paying £4. No

booking required — just turn up and

pay on the door.

THE RETURN OF KEN

Popular local historian Ken Brooks is

back with his series of informal Saturday

afternoon talks.

Come and enjoy a tea or coffee

while he chats away in the museum’s

Education Room.

His first talk this year is on Saturday

5 April and will be on the history of

Burton’s St Leonards.

During the 18th century, doctors

began recommending sea air and sea

water as cures for various ailments.

This inspired James Burton, a wealthy

builder and architect, to create a

“watering place” on the south coast.

Spaces are limited for these talks to

maintain the informal atmosphere. They

start at 1.30pm and finish by 3pm.

Tickets must be pre-booked and

are available from the museum,

priced at £10 for non-members or

£8 for members.

The price includes tea or coffee and

admission to the museum either before

or after the talk.

TIMES AND PRICES

Bexhill Museum, in Egerton Road, is

open Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am to

4pm. It is closed on Mondays except for

Bank Holidays. It will be open on Easter

Monday. Admission prices are: adults

£4, over 60s £3, children aged 5-16 £2,

under-fives are free.

www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk

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There are various other criteria that

Local Authorities can use to identify

low-income, vulnerable and fuel-poor

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Visit ofgem.gov.uk for more

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The Crafty Collective’s Craft and Produce Fairs

Handmade and Local

SATURDAY 2PM - 5PM

l 5th April l 3rd May l 7th June

l 5th July l 6th September

l 4th October (Big Mental Health Fundraiser)

l 1st November l 6th December

Freedom Church (Hadden Hall), Claremont Road, Sidley,

Bexhill, TN39 5BX

Free parking, free entry, refreshments and snacks

thecraftycollective3@yahoo.com


BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN

COUNCIL UPDATE

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council

Budget Forecast for 2025-26

RESIDENTS will have received

their council tax bills for the

coming year. Bexhill-on-Sea

Town Council has released its

budget forecast for the 2025-26

financial year, outlining key areas

of expenditure and investment

aimed at enhancing local services

and infrastructure as we begin

to navigate Local Government

Reorganisation.

Local Government Reorganisation

involves restructuring district

and county councils to improve

efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance

service delivery. For Bexhill, this

means greater local decisionmaking

power as the Town Council

takes on more responsibilities,

better allocation of resources, and

improved public services. It ensures

that local priorities are addressed

effectively by your local councillors,

benefiting residents with streamlined

governance and increased

investment in community projects.

The proposed budget for this year,

which includes all figures with VAT,

reflects the council’s commitment to

fiscal responsibility while supporting

community initiatives and essential

public services.

Income Projections The council

anticipates a total income of £959,700

for 2025-26, with the majority

coming from the precept (council

tax), which is set to increase from

£713,164 in 2024-25 to £917,440. This

increase is intended to cover rising

costs and additional community

investments such as public toilets.

Other sources of income include

bank interest, allotment rents, and

various grants. Notably, bank interest

is projected to rise significantly

from £2,500 to £7,000, reflecting

improved investment management

and higher interest rates. The council

is also working on identifying new

revenue streams to support its

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council

35 Western Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DU

Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-2:30pm

Contact: town.clerk@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

www.bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

services without placing an excessive

burden on residents.

Band D Annual Cost (2024/25): £41.15

Band D Annual Cost (2025/26): £52.97

Annual increase of £11.83,

equivalent to just 99p per month.

KEY EXPENDITURES

The total projected expenditure for

2025-26 is £959,700, covering staff

costs, infrastructure maintenance,

community engagement, and

public amenities. These expenses

are carefully planned to ensure the

effective delivery of services while

maintaining financial prudence.

• Staffing and Operations:

Staff costs are projected

at £375,000, including the

replacement of an administrative

officer with a communications

officer responsible for

delivering the council’s key

messages and keeping residents

up to date on local matters. This

new role aims to enhance the

council’s ability to engage with

the community and promote

local events more effectively.

Additionally, the Town Rangers

program is budgeted at £120,000,

ensuring resources are allocated

to ongoing maintenance and

upkeep of public spaces. Rangers

play a crucial role in keeping the

town clean and ensuring safety

in public areas.

• Community Engagement

and Events: The council has

allocated £10,000 for Bexhill

Day, Remembrance events, and

other local celebrations. These

events foster community spirit

and bring residents together,

making them a key priority.

Additionally, Christmas lights

funding has been frozen at

£55,000 to maintain the same

festive ambiance as in previous

years, with an additional £10,000

earmarked for Little Common

and Sidley. Enhancing festive

decorations in different areas

of Bexhill-on-Sea ensures

that the whole town enjoys

seasonal celebrations.

• Public Amenities: The council

has set aside £42,000 for public

toilet maintenance, ensuring

cleanliness and accessibility

for residents and visitors. The

maintenance of public restrooms

is crucial for local businesses,

tourism, and the overall

experience of those visiting the

town. Verge cutting has been

increased to £26,000 to maintain

the town’s green spaces and

improve aesthetic appeal. Keeping

public spaces well-maintained

contributes to a more welcoming

environment for residents and

visitors alike.

• Security and Surveillance:

A budget of £30,000 has been

allocated for Egerton Park

CCTV cameras to enhance

community safety. This follows

a substantial investment in

camera upgrades during

2024-25. Security remains a

key priority, and the addition

of more cameras in parks

aims to deter vandalism and

anti-social behaviour while

improving public safety.

• Infrastructure and Future

Planning: A £25,000 future asset

fund has been established to

support long-term infrastructure

projects, ensuring that the

town’s facilities continue to meet

residents’ needs. Additionally,

£10,000 has been earmarked

for the maintenance of bus

shelters, ensuring they remain

in good condition for students,

commuters and visitors.

• Grants and Community Support:

The council has maintained a

budget of £42,000 for grants and

community support, allowing

local organisations and initiatives

to continue their valuable

work. Supporting local projects

and non-profit organizations

is a priority, as these groups

contribute significantly to the

town’s vibrancy and well-being.

RESERVES AND

CONTINGENCY PLANNING

The council has planned for prudent

financial management by allocating

reserves across key projects. The

general reserve is expected to

increase to £310,825, ensuring

financial stability. These funds serve

as a safety net to address unexpected

expenses or economic challenges.

The Devonshire Square Toilets

reserve remains at £120,000, securing

funding for essential maintenance

and exciting new refurbishments.

Properly maintained public

restrooms are a crucial component

of the town’s infrastructure,

supporting both residents and

tourists. We will shortly be reopening

the following public toilets

in time for the summer season: Little

Common Roundabout; Cooden Sea

Road; East Parade; Sidley; Little

Common Recreation Ground;

and Norman’s Bay.

Additionally, £110,000 has been

allocated for CCTV improvements,

ensuring that security infrastructure

remains up to date. Election costs are

also being managed proactively, with

£48,750 saved for the next scheduled

election in 2027. These reserves

demonstrate the council’s forwardthinking

approach to financial

planning, ensuring long-term

sustainability.

COUNCIL TAX IMPACT

To support these initiatives, the

Band D equivalent council tax

charge is set to rise from £41.15 in

2024-25 to £52.97 in 2025-26. This

represents an increase of £11.83

per year, or less than £1 per month

for most households. The increase

will directly contribute to improved

public services, infrastructure

projects, and enhanced community

safety measures.

LOOKING AHEAD

The 2025-26 budget demonstrates the

council’s commitment to maintaining

and improving public services

while ensuring financial prudence.

Investments in safety, community

engagement, and infrastructure will

support Bexhill’s continued growth

and sustainability.

The council remains dedicated

to transparency and welcomes

public input on budget decisions.

Residents are encouraged to review

the budget details on our website

and participate in upcoming council

meetings to share their views on our

performance. Engaging with our

residents ensures that the needs of

the community are met, and that

resources are allocated effectively

to benefit all.

COMMUNITY

INFRASTRUCTURE

LEVY (CIL) FUNDING

The council is also expecting

to receive funding through the

Community Infrastructure Levy

(CIL), a charge that developers pay

when building new properties in

the area. This funding is used to

support local infrastructure projects

that benefit residents, such as parks,

community capital projects and

public facilities. We will soon be

launching our application process

to allow local groups to access this

funding too – watch this space!

PEBSHAM ACCESSIBLE

PLAY PARK

Our exciting Pebsham Accessible

Play Park project is awaiting the

final lease agreement sign-off from

Rother District Council before

we complete this much-needed

addition to our portfolio of growing

assets and services.

26 SPORT

APRIL 2025


Bexhill Cricket Club gears

up for milestone season

BRT runners have

Spring in their step

BY MIKE LEGG

BEXHILL Cricket Club is preparing

to pull out all the stops to celebrate

its 150th anniversary.

The new season begins in

earnest next month, and chairman

Hamish Russell is eager to make the

most of such a rare and significant

milestone in the Polegrove-based

club’s history.

Sitting outside the clubhouse in

bright sunshine, with volunteers busy

at work out back, Russell told the

Bexhill News: “The club was founded

in 1875 and is 150 years old this year.

“We had our annual meeting not

long ago, and I have been writing

to past players and members. I

told them that I do not see this

as just another event. This is a

generational thing.

“I wasn’t around when we had our

centenary, and I don’t even know

if it was celebrated or not. The next

one will be 200 years, and I won’t be

around for that. So, it’s a once-in-ageneration

thing. These things just

don’t come along very often.

“This will be my second summer

as chair down here, and I have been

here since I was ten years old. It’s

fantastic, and we have to make as big

a deal out of this as we can.”

Although Russell acknowledges

there are older clubs, the late former

president and chairman Malcolm

Pratt found records dating back

to 1875 of organised cricket being

played in the town.

The club’s evolution has seen

Bexhill move from playing on the

Downs to the Polegrove in the 1950s

or 60s, with the clubhouse built in

the late 1960s.

Now fielding two teams in the

Sussex Cricket League, Bexhill’s 1st

XI narrowly missed out on promotion

last season from Division Four East.

Russell believes there is a healthy

outlook, although, as a volunteer-run

outfit, challenges persist.

1st XI Argus Cup c.1988

Bexhill CC 1st XI 1962

He said: “We are rebuilding at the

moment. The club was at its peak

about 15 years ago when we had five

teams and were successful.

“These days, we’ve dropped down

a couple of divisions, and we’ve

reduced the number of teams, but at

the same time, like everybody else,

we do this as volunteers. Trying to get

volunteers in any kind of recreational

sport is difficult these days, with

peaks and troughs.

“But we’re just starting to come back

now, and we’re quite excited about

the future. The shoots of recovery are

more than just shoots.”

Preparations are well underway to

mark the anniversary, with a soldout

golf day kicking off festivities

this month. A cricket week will

return from August 4, featuring a

day dedicated to women’s and girls’

cricket, a Chairman’s XI match,

Polegrove BC hit the greens

and a game against the MCC on

Friday, August 8.

Russell added: “We are using that

MCC game as a reunion. In 1997,

in the old Sussex League, our 1st XI

won it — the only time — and our 2nd

XI finished second in their league.

We have the players from that

era coming back.

“There will be dignitaries, talk of

some of our old overseas players

coming over to watch, and there is

also a lad from New Zealand, Max,

who is going to play. His dad is

Richard Petrie, who played for Bexhill

in 1987 and then went on to play for

New Zealand. Now his son is going to

come and play.”

The club will also hold a blacktie

gala dinner at Cooden Beach

Golf Club in October. Russell said:

“It will be a real celebration of us

through the years.”

Jack Matthews,

Brighton Half Marathon

BY JACKIE KNIGHT

BEXHILL Runners and Triathlon

(BRT) members have caught the

marathon and half-marathon

buzz this spring.

While 3,000 runners were left

disappointed by the cancellation

of the Hastings Half Marathon last

Sunday (March 23), BRT members

have been keeping busy with a flurry

of other activities.

Jack Matthews smashed yet another

personal best, clocking an impressive

1:24:00 at this year’s Brighton Half

Marathon and securing third place on

the Hastings Parkrun podium.

The next stop was the Tunbridge

Wells Half Marathon, where Neil

Smith (1:46:19), Grant Docksey

(1:47:01) and Ellie Docksey (2:07:36)

flew across the finish line in one of

the UK’s most popular races.

Tom North (01:30:13) and Catherine

Crombie (01:59:20) both smashed

the Eastbourne Half, which started

in Princes Park, took in the seafront

promenades towards Beachy Head

and then looped back towards

Sovereign Harbour.

The Moyleman Lewes off-road

race posed a gruelling challenge for

BRT runners David Palmer (4:49:46),

Paula Chase (5:14:24) and Neil Smith

(6:01:10). Tackling the tough multiterrain

marathon course filled with

steep hills, they delivered powerful

performances, all finishing within the

three-hour halfway cutoff.

Meanwhile, Amanda and Geoff

Ellie Docksey and Grant Docksey,

Tunbridge Thank Wells

Tondeur excelled in the Steyning

Stinger Marathon, a hill run through

the South Downs. They pushed

their limits to achieve personal

best times of 5:32:05. Geoff kept his

trainers on for the Centurion Ultra

Hundred Hills 50km race. With

approximately 4,000 feet of climbing

and a challenging nine-hour cutoff,

Geoff completed the course in a

superb 6:19:55. Congratulations on an

extraordinary performance!

Across the globe, BRT parkrun

enthusiasts Alison Brooker

and John Brooker explored

Australia’s parkrun scene.

Their journey began at the Albert

Parkrun in Melbourne, Victoria,

where they enjoyed stunning views of

the lake, city skyline and surrounding

parklands. Next, they ventured to

Margaret River in Western Australia,

tackling a unique trail through the

picturesque Wooditjup National Park.

Upon returning home, John

celebrated a milestone achievement,

completing his 100th run at

Hastings Parkrun. Hats off to a true

Parkrun Superstar!

Finally, a record numbers for BRT

junior and senior runners braved the

mud at Pett for an epic East Sussex

Cross-Country League finale, capping

off a season of notable achievements.

If you have ever thought about

running with a friendly group of likeminded

people, please go to the BRT

webpage for more information for

both adult and junior membership.

www.bexhillrunnerstriathletes.co.uk

POLEGROVE Bowls Club

celebrates the start of the new

season this month.

The club hosts an open afternoon

on Tuesday, April 22, from

1.45pm, with greens — weather

permitting — in action before tea and

cakes are served.

Committee member Denise

Hodd said: “This year, the club

has taken over the lease for two

greens and the pavilion. Volunteers

have worked tirelessly during

the close season to renovate the

pavilion and update the facilities.

It now looks wonderful and we are

very proud of it.”

Social events begin with a table

sale at the pavilion on May 3

(10am). The club welcomes new

members, and no prior bowling

experience is required. Prospective

players only need flat-soled shoes

or trainers as coaching and bowls

will be provided.

An Active Rother-sponsored,

16-week course for beginners starts

on Saturday mornings from May

10 (10am–noon). This initiative is

focused on residents of Bexhill and

neighbouring towns who may have

various health issues or are looking

to improve their mental and/or

physical well-being. For more

information, contact activerother@

polegrovebowlsclub.org.uk.

National and County competitions

kick off in May. The ladies are the

current Sussex County double rink

and top club champions.

Additionally, Polegrove member

Peter Copper is serving as the men’s

Sussex County President this year

and the club will host a day in his

honour in June.

John Brooker completes 100th

run at Hastings Park Run

Alison Brooker and John

Brooker on tour in Australia

Join us for

our next

event

Bowes House care home,

Hailsham

VE Day celebration

Wednesday 7th May, 11am - 1pm

Join us to mark the 80th anniversary of

VE Day. Enjoy refreshments,

entertainment and dancing as we

celebrate the spirit of the 1940s.

Trusted to care.

To attend please call

01323 315957 or email

lisa.phillips@careuk.com

28 SPORT

APRIL 2025


Sport

Common have fighting

chance of Great Escape

Riggs at the Double

as East Sussex Claim

Group C Top Spot

BY MIKE LEGG

RUSSELL ELDRIDGE insists there

is still “a lot to do” if Little Common

are to complete the Great Escape

— but he has no doubts they are

up to the task.

Common climbed off the bottom

of the SCFL Premier Division for

the first time since September 7 as

they came back from 2-0 down to

beat AFC Varndeanians 3-2 at The

Rec on March 18.

They followed that crucial victory

with a 3-1 win at Midhurst just four

days later, moving out of the two

relegation places.

Prior to last Saturday’s 1-0 home

loss to Newhaven, player-manager

Eldridge’s side had collected ten points

from a possible 15, breathing new life

into their relegation battle.

As ever, Eldridge refuses to get

carried away but told the Bexhill News

his faith in his team’s fighting spirit

had never faltered.

He said: “Even when we were rock

bottom, I never believed we were out

of it. Lots of people may have written

us off, but I never doubted us.

“I have always had that belief, and

the boys stuck with it. No one has

jumped ship, and importantly, we

have a team made up of old guard

veterans alongside younger players

who have shown the heart and

belief required.”

Eldridge continued: “It’s the first time

this season we’ve managed back-toback

wins, which is huge — not just

psychologically but also in terms of

climbing out of the bottom two.

“The turnaround since Christmas

has been really good, but we’re

not there yet — we still have a lot

to do. The good news is we’ve now

given ourselves a much better

chance of staying up than we had

three months ago.

“We’re not getting ahead of

ourselves. We have a target that we

believe will be enough, and we’ll try

to reach it as quickly as we can. We’ve

also got a good number of home games

left, which could work in our favour.

“The important thing is, like in the

matches against Varndeanians and

Midhurst, we’ve still got something to

fight for. I’m not saying other teams

are rolling over, but there’s more on

the line for us, and that may just give

us a slight edge against some of these

mid-table teams.”

Eldridge may have pulled off

a masterstroke by bringing in

experienced midfielder/striker Sam

Adams, who previously played the

majority of his career at Isthmian

League level with Hastings.

Adams scored in the 1-1 draw

with Shoreham on March 1 and

netted twice in the victory over

Varndeanians, as well as once

against Midhurst.

Eldridge remarked: “I’ve tried to

sign Sam every year since I became

manager. He promised me that one

day he’d come, and we finally got him

about a month ago.

“He’s added the extra quality we

need in the final third. He’s got a

winning mentality, has been there

and done it, and he’s great with the

lads. That’s why I was so eager to bring

him in. He’s a good character and

exactly what we need.”

Common April fixtures — Roffey

(home, April 5); Eastbourne Utd

(away, Apr 12); Hassocks (home,

Apr 19); Bexhill Utd (home, Apr 21);

Pagham (away, Apr 26).

Aaron Capon has been in fine form

for Bexhill United.

He scored along with Ash Latuske

and Daniel Rogers in the opening

Saturday’s 3-0 win over Varndeanians

and then added a hat-trick in a 4-0

thumping of Midhurst (Mar 15).

Sandwiched between those results

was a goalless draw with Horsham YM

while the Pirates lost 2-1 at home to

Petersfield on Non-League Day with

Evan Archibald the marksman.

Bexhill United April fixtures —

Crawley Down (away, Apr 5); Saltdean

(home, Apr 12); Haywards Heath

(away, Apr 19); Little Common (away,

Apr 21); Wick (away, Apr 26).

BY MIKE LEGG

EAST Sussex secured the top spot

in Group C of the National Over

60s FA Cup with a commanding

4-0 victory over Kent.

The two teams had drawn 2-2

earlier this month in the group

opener in Larkfield. However,

East Sussex delivered a ruthless

performance in the return fixture at

Bexhill College on March 16.

Colin Riggs opened the scoring

with a fine finish following slick,

incisive passing from Dave Tasker

and Andy Williams.

England internationals Dave

Bridges and Alan Osman combined

brilliantly to set up Osman for

East Sussex’s second goal midway

through the second half. As Kent

pushed forward in a desperate

attempt to salvage something

from the match, Steve Turner led

a rapid breakaway, culminating in

Bridges’ stunning top-corner strike

from Riggs’ cross.

Riggs completed his brace and

sealed the victory with a flicked

header from a beautifully flighted

Sailors break the ice

ahead of open day

RICHARD EAGLETON won Bexhill

Sailing Club’s aptly named Ice

Breaker Trophy as the season got

off to a delayed start due to cold

and breezy conditions.

The Spring Series opener was

postponed by a week until March

22, and former training principal

Eagleton claimed the honours as

nine boats took part. The Spring

Series continues into April.

In March, BSC also celebrated

the marriage of Adrian and Janet,

who have been club members

for over 50 years. They decided it

was “about time” to tie the knot!

Many congratulations from

everyone at BSC.

The club is hosting an Open Day on

Easter Monday, April 21. It is an ideal

opportunity for anyone interested

Tasker free-kick.

In the first meeting, East Sussex

had let a 2-0 lead slip despite

dominating the opening half. David

Brooks and Williams controlled the

central midfield, supported on the

flanks by Garry Cooper and Nigel

Carter, while captain Osman and

Riggs tormented the Kent defence.

Osman and Brooks provided

the goals for East Sussex’s early

advantage, with the Kent goalkeeper

working overtime to prevent further

damage. Goalkeeper Koosha

Movafagh displayed excellent

handling, and the back four of Paul

Elphick, Bob Smith, Tasker and

Johnny Harris shutout Kent’s threat.

However, injuries to Carter and

Kevin Clee plus changes disrupted

East Sussex’s rhythm in the second

half, allowing Kent to fight back

and earn a draw. Robbie Allen

helped restore some calm, while

Ersin Ramiz and John Fraser added

width to the attack.

East Sussex face reigning national

champions Oxfordshire on

Saturday, April 6, at Bexhill College.

in sailing or sailboarding to explore

whether the club is a good fit.

Club Commodore Judith Warren

said: “We are thrilled about the

prospect of meeting the local

community who might not realise

they could be sailing solo by the end

of the season. We hope to see you

here on Easter Monday.”

For more information, visit

www.bexhillsailing.club/openday.

Bexhill News, April 2025, Issue 34

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